The Detroit Pistons will enter the offseason looking to improve their roster and could end up bidding on one of several free agents who are playing well in the playoffs.
One of those free agents (restricted) is Deandre Ayton, whose Phoenix Suns were upset at home in game two of their series with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Devin Booker has been ruled out of games 3 and 4 in New Orleans, and the Pelicans are playing well right now behind Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, so it is not out of the realm of possibility that the Pels shock everyone and pull off the upset over the Suns, who were the league’s top regular-season team.
The Pelicans still have a LONG way to go and Chris Paul and the Suns are not just going to go away without a fight, even if they are missing their best player.
But fans of the Detroit Pistons should be cheering for the Pelicans to pull off the 8th seed over 1st seed upset, as the fallout could benefit Detroit.
Deandre Ayton and the Detroit Pistons
It is no secret that Deandre Ayton is one of the top restricted free agents this season. It is also no secret that Detroit may pursue him, as he fits the timeline, fills a need and is the type of quality big who would benefit young guards Cade Cunningham and Killian Hayes.
The Suns chose not to give Ayton a max extension last summer and clearly wanted one more season of evidence before committing to him as a long-term piece with Devin Booker.
If the Suns make a deep run into the playoffs, get to the Finals or win a title, it’s hard to imagine them letting Ayton walk for nothing, as he has played well for them, been a defensive anchor in the middle and is very good in the pick-and-roll with Chris Paul.
But if the Suns lose in the 1st round? This could have Phoenix evaluating their ceiling with a Paul/Booker/Ayton threesome and potentially rethinking their plans, especially with a possible max extension for Mikal Bridges looming.
There could be fallout if the Suns lose in the first round, which could benefit the Pistons, who might then be able to make an offer for Ayton that the Suns are not willing to match.
A Suns’ loss might also have Ayton thinking about his own future and whether it would be best served on a team like Phoenix where he is a complementary player or in Detroit, where he would be a foundational piece of the rebuild.
We won’t know unless the Pelicans pull off the big upset, so I am hoping for another big win for New Orleans tomorrow.