Detroit Pistons: 3 reasons Kelly Olynyk was a great free-agent signing

The Kelly Olynyk contract is great for the Detroit Pistons

Some fans freaked out when they saw Olynyk getting 3 years $37 million. These were mostly the “Timeline Truthers” who don’t seem to understand that not every player on the team has to be the same age and that veteran role players are a key part of every good team.

There were also some who think the Pistons should have just kept Mason Plumlee, who was making less.

First off, Olynyk is WAY better than Plumlee in pretty much every facet of the game. Plumlee was good for the Pistons, averaging nearly a double-double per game, but he can’t shoot and his pick-and-roll defense was not great.

Olynyk averaged 19 and 8 as a starter for the Rockets while shooting 39 percent from 3-point range. He is going to add space where Plumlee took it away, which will be great for the young guards.

Secondly, the Olynyk contract is only marginally more than Plumlee’s and the third year is not guaranteed. This contract is very moveable, so the Pistons could trade him if things don’t work out. Of course, you don’t want to get in the habit of having to give away (albeit useless) assets just to get rid of a guy, but the Pistons aren’t going to be stuck overpaying Olynyk.

The team option for the third year makes this a great deal, as Olynyk can be off the books at any time via trade or just not picking up the option after season two.

The Pistons got a solid role player who fills multiple needs and didn’t have to give up anything to get him. I’d say that’s a big win for Detroit.