Detroit Pistons: Will the Pistons take another chance on Dennis Smith Jr.?

The Detroit Pistons took a flyer on Dennis Smith Jr. when they traded Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks.

It was a low-stakes trade that helped the Knicks much more in the short term than it did the Pistons, but it was worth the gamble to take a look at a young player who still has upside while snagging a second-round pick.

Smith Jr. got some run with the Detroit Pistons and played well at times, flashing the athleticism that made him a lottery pick, but then he got hurt and the Pistons didn’t really get to evaluate him as much as they wanted.

So will they take a chance on him again?

Detroit Pistons: Why the Pistons will not re-sign Dennis Smith Jr.

The Pistons would love to have seen more of DSJ this season, as they didn’t get much time to see if he was worth a future roster spot.

His qualifying offer for next season is over $7 million, so there is no way the Pistons are going to make that, as Smith would undoubtedly just accept it since no one else is going to offer anywhere near that.

If the Pistons do not make him the Q.O. Smith will become an unrestricted free agent who can sign with anyone. While the Detroit Pistons aren’t going to make a big offer to DSJ, there might still be some mutual interest.

Detroit Pistons: Dennis Smith Jr. on a two-way contract

DSJ has not done enough to get a guaranteed contract from anyone, so it’s doubtful that some team would swoop in and try to grab him in free agency.

This could leave open the possibility of a two-way contract for DSJ. He was headed to the G-League before being traded from the Knicks, so may be open to the idea of rebuilding his value on a two-way deal like Frank Jackson did this season.

If DSJ can perform and stay healthy, there is a chance he’d get some playing time eventually, as the Pistons will likely need a third point guard at some point in the season considering they went through about six this season.

If the Pistons can offer DSJ the chance to make the team on a two-way deal, there might be some mutual interest in doing so, but I can’t see them offering him a guaranteed deal.

Dennis Smith Jr. is going to have to prove he can play before anyone will take another chance on him, but he might be worth keeping around as depth and as a low-risk guy with upside.