Detroit Pistons: Why the Pistons will pursue Deandre Ayton

Why the Detroit Pistons should pursue Deandre Ayton

Much like with Ben Simmons, one of the reasons to go after Ayton is that the Pistons don’t get many chances to land stars, especially ones that have not yet hit their prime.

Ayton is just 23-years-old, so fits the Pistons timeline for contention perfectly and has a skillset that complements the guys they already have.

He was a monster in the pick-and-roll with Chris Paul and could play a similar role with Cade Cunningham on the Detroit Pistons. Troy Weaver was reportedly interested in James Wiseman for the same reasons and Ayton is just a better version.

Ayton has flashed the ability to hit a mid-range jumper and his range is going to continue to increase, which lessens the worries about his fit with Isaiah Stewart.

I also love that Ayton is a team player who sacrificed his own touches and stats last season to accommodate Chris Paul so let’s not forget that Ayton averaged 18.2 points and 11.5 rebounds the season before.

He’s already been to the Finals and gotten reps on the big stage, so he’ll bring some experience even though he is still young. He’ll also have a huge chip on his shoulder if the Suns fail to sign him and we love those guys in Detroit.

I think he is a much better long-term fit with the Pistons than someone like Simmons and still has his best basketball ahead of him.

It would likely take a max offer to get him but the Pistons will be flush with cash next offseason and he will probably be the best available free agent.

There is a lot to like about Deandre Ayton on the Detroit Pistons and I think he will be one of their primary targets if he makes it to restricted free agency next offseason.