Entering the offseason it did not appear that the Detroit Pistons would have much cap space to spend on NBA free agents.
But after trading Mason Plumlee and waiving a trio of players in Tyler Cook, Deividas Sirvydis and Cory Joseph, the Pistons suddenly have a bit of cap space to splash around.
The Pistons could have as much as $22 million to spend, which would be enough re-sign Hamidou Diallo, Frank Jackson and Saben Lee while still having enough left over to add another low-cost veteran.
There is also an argument that the Detroit Pistons should just pool their available cap space and throw it all at one guy.
We’ve mentioned Tim Hardaway Jr. as a nice fit and a guy who could help take the Pistons’ offense to the next level.
With Cade Cunningham on board, the Pistons’ timeline has been sped up, so who knows, they might be able to make a leap into playoff contention if they sign the right guy.
That is just one reason why I think the Pistons should go for it and sign one of the big named NBA free agents this offseason.
Detroit Pistons: Are we sure about Hamidou Diallo and Frank Jackson?
I really like both Diallo and Jackson, but are we sure they are worth signing to extensions?
Diallo has nice upside as an athletic guard who can defend, but if his shot never evolves then is he really worth $10 million per season?
Jackson falls into the same category, as he is a nice player but has some huge flaws and may never be much more than he is right now.
I guess the question is whether you’d rather have both of these guys or a player like Norman Powell, who is already there and provides something the Pistons desperately need.
It is a tough call on these guys, as both have shown upside, but the Detroit Pistons might be able to do better.
Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham has changed the Pistons’ timeline, so adding one of the big NBA free agents make more sense
Cade Cunningham has said many times that he wants to make the playoffs in his first season in the NBA.
I think that is a long shot, as the Detroit Pistons still have a very young team and won 20 games last season, so it would be a pretty big leap.
But we’ve seen teams make similar leaps, in fact, both the Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns both stunk before making it to the Eastern Conference Finals and Finals, respectively, last season.
Could the Pistons be the next Hawks?
If the Pistons were to add a Tim Hardaway Jr. or Norman Powell level free agent, it might be enough to at least push them into the play-in conversation.
Some fans are loathe to do this, as they think the Pistons should tank every season until they are title contenders, but that is not how development works.
Getting the young Pistons like Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart into playoff contention will only make them better going forward and the Detroit Pistons already have enough young guys.
Playing competitive games will help speed this team up even more, and one of the big time NBA free agents could help them get there.
And then there’s next offseason.
Detroit Pistons: Next offseason the Pistons could become contenders
Even if the Detroit Pistons were to ink one of the top NBA free agents, they aren’t likely to be a contender this season, as they are still too young and will be working out a lot of kinks.
But next offseason Blake Griffin’s contract comes off the books, which means the Detroit Pistons will have another max slot to play around with and potentially add another big time guy to a team that looks ready to win.
You could argue that next offseason is the one the Pistons should really go for it, but if they could get a guy this year, then they look even more attractive to potential free agents next offseason.
If the Pistons have a surprise year and sniff the play-in or even make it, then they will look pretty appealing to potential free agents, as they will have a future superstar in Cade Cunningham to go with really talented role players like Jerami Grant, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart and whatever free agent they sign.
This is a team that can compete in the Eastern Conference with the right guys, so I think there is an advantage to going for one of them now and another next offseason.
One thing is certain, this is an exciting time to be a fan of the Detroit Pistons.