The Detroit Pistons will be watching the NBA Playoffs closely, as there are a number of players they could target in free agency or trades.
The Pistons will have the cap space to add an impact free agent, or they could use that space to absorb a contract in a trade.
They have options with Jerami Grant, so the Pistons will be busy in one of their most important offseasons in recent years.
There are four players currently in the NBA Playoffs who could be realistic targets for the Pistons in free agency or trades and all of them have played well so far on the big stage.
4 offseason targets for the Pistons playing well in the NBA Playoffs
Duncan Robinson (trade target)
I wrote about the pros and cons of the Pistons trying to trade for Duncan Robinson, though there have been no rumors connecting the two teams. It makes sense on paper, as Miami needs to clear cap space and has Max Strus who is producing on a minimum deal. Moving Robinson might be necessary with Tyler Herro’s extension looming and the Pistons would have the cap space to take him on without sending back equal money.
Robison gave the Heat reasons to pause, as he lit the Hawks up in Miami’s game one win, scoring 27 points on 8-of-9 from long range in just 23 minutes.
Nic Claxton (restricted free agent)
Claxton is a guy I would love the Pistons to target in free agency if they strike out on some of the top guys. He is the type of athletic, bouncy big man the Pistons need, is still only 23-years-old, is a good rim protector and a guy who can finish around the rim, as he shoots 67 percent.
The Nets are facing some tough payroll decisions this offseason and may not be able to match an offer for Claxton, so he will be one to watch.
Claxton was very good in the game one loss to Boston, scoring 13 points and adding eight rebounds and three blocks in 31 minutes off the bench.
Jalen Brunson (unrestricted free agent)
Brunson is another guy who makes sense for the Pistons as a possible backcourt upgrade. He needs to improve as a 3-point shooter but he’s a tough creator who finishes at a high rate around the rim.
Brunson had to step up in game one against the Jazz with Luka Doncic out and he did, leading the Mavericks with 24 points and adding seven rebounds and five assists in 41 minutes. He didn’t shoot the ball well, going just 9-of-24, but Brunson has shown he can be a lead guard or play off the ball with Luka.
Deandre Ayton (restricted free agent)
Ayton is a free agent the Pistons should pursue in my opinion, as he would give them a young big with a solid two-way game who would help Cade Cunningham and Killian Hayes. Adding Ayton and a top-7 pick would set the Pistons’ foundation for years to come, they’d be competitive right away but still have plenty of room to improve.
Ayton showed what he brings to the table in game one of the Suns’ series against the Pelicans, scoring an efficient 21 points and adding nine rebounds, two assists and four blocks in 34 minutes. It’s going to be hard for the Suns to let Ayton walk if he continues to play at this level.