The Detroit Pistons are not likely to have much cap space to sign NBA free agents, which means they will be looking for value.
Troy Weaver has already indicated that the Pistons will take care of their own guys first, so we should probably temper our expectations when it comes to free agents.
That’s absolutely fine though, as the Detroit Pistons are trying to build with homegrown talent and will mostly use free agency to supplement it and try to fill some minor holes, especially this offseason.
With the Blake Griffin contract still on the books next season, the Pistons are at least a year away from being a real player in free agency, and even then they might choose to continue to build through the draft and trades instead of overpaying free agents.
So for the purposes of this article, I looked at realistic candidates who will likely be within the Pistons’ budget and represent a small need. Ideally, the Detroit Pistons would like to add a couple of veterans who can help mentor this young team, and ones they can get at a discount.
So you can forget about the high priced guys and look more towards role players. Also, it’s difficult to predict exactly how much money the Pistons will have in free agency until we know what they do with their own guys.
The Detroit Pistons are not going to sign five players, but I came up with an unrestricted free agent option at each position just to give an idea of what is out there and within reach.
Detroit Pistons: Possible free agent shooting guard- Wayne Ellington
Shooting guard is not really an area of need considering the Detroit Pistons already have Josh Jackson under contract, and are likely to re-sign Hamidou Diallo and Frank Jackson.
But the Pistons still need shooting, and Ellington showed last year that he can provide it, and since the Pistons were the team to give him a chance, there might be some mutual interest in bringing him back on a veteran’s minimum deal.
It’s not a sexy name, but remember, this list is going to be these types of players.
Other Possibilities: Alex Caruso, Kent Bazemore