Detroit Pistons: Possible NBA free agents
Sacramento Kings, Hassan Whiteside
Whiteside is not anywhere near the talent he once was but probably the best mentor Stewart could have in the NBA. If the Pistons are fully committed to Beef Stew being the center of the future, then a season or two of practicing with Hasan Whiteside would only do him good. A rebounding champ and two-time blocks leader, Whiteside is the best mentor available at his position, as long as he understands his role. I might be the biggest Whiteside fan in the Motor City, and I could be the only one happy if Detroit signed him, but it would bring Stewart to an All-Star level by 2024, I am convinced.
San Antonio Spurs, Trey Lyles
Patty Mills will stay in San Antonio or move to a contender, and the Pistons have no shot at DeMar DeRozen. Lyles is the only reasonable option, but he would be a really good second option at center/forward. His numbers are actually slightly better than Plumlee’s and he would come cheaper. He can also space the floor as he has a decent outside shot. Far from a fan favorite in San Antonio, there is no chance he resigns so coming to Detroit and leaving the West behind is a very real scenario.
Toronto Raptors, Gary Trent Jr
Trent Jr. will probably be re-signed by Toronto but he has exploded into a legitimate scoring threat and the Detroit Pistons would be lucky to have him. His three-point shot is consistently good and he isn’t a problem on the defensive end. He can pass and rebound, and also score 15 a night. If he came off the bench for Detroit, which is a stretch as he has gotten used to being a starter, he could be a great fit. It probably won’t happen as Toronto is still a contender (kind of, they at least think they are), and will want to hold onto him, which is unfortunate.