The Detroit Pistons will have a big advantage next offseason
Detroit Pistons cap space: 2022 NBA free agents
Like this offseason, there will be some huge names at the top of the list of 2022 NBA free agents, but also like this season, none of them are likely to change teams.
The biggest names are James Harden, Kyrie Irving and Bradley Beal, who are all likely to sign max extensions with their current teams. Beal would be the most likely to leave, but if he does, it will likely be via trade, as he’ll want to get his full five-year max.
Just below them would be Zach LaVine and Russell Westbrook, but I don’t see either of them as great fits on the Detroit Pistons.
Related Story. 5 worst free agent signings in Pistons' history. light
Depending on how the roster shakes out, I could see LaVine joining Cade Cunningham in the Pistons’ backcourt, but it would take a max deal to pry him away from the Bulls, which seems unlikely.
According to ESPN, here are the top starters in free agency and their respective status next offseason:
"Top Starter: Kevin Huerter (restricted), Collin Sexton (restricted), Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr. (restricted), Jaren Jackson Jr. (restricted), Jonas Valanciunas, Mikal Bridges (restricted) and Deandre Ayton (restricted) Starter: Josh Richardson, Miles Bridges (restricted), John Wall, T.J. Warren, Ivica Zubac (team), Kyle Anderson, Victor Oladipo, Donte DiVincenzo(restricted), Mitchell Robinson, Luguentz Dort (team), Wendell Carter Jr. (restricted), Andre Drummond, Robert Covington, Jusuf Nurkic, Marvin Bagley III (restricted), Lonnie Walker IV (restricted), Jalen Brunson, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Daniel Gafford (team)"
None of these players would qualify as stars but there are some interesting names that might be good fits on the Pistons.
A guy like Kevin Huerter could definitely help their shooting. Michael Porter Jr. probably has the most upside but I also think he’s the least likely to leave his team, same with Jaren Jackson Jr.
I love Miles Bridges and Luguentz Dort, who both seem like Troy Weaver guys but other than that there aren’t a ton of names that would provide obvious upgrades for the Pistons.
Luckily there are other ways to use cap space.