The Detroit Pistons need an influx of talent and will have cap space and a top-7 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft to try and get it.
The Pistons need an upgrade at guard, as they currently only have one starting-caliber guard on their team. They also need a boost at center, plenty of shooting, an elite wing defender and some more veterans.
Detroit has been attached to some of the top names in free agency, but if they strike out, they could just try to boost their depth and add more high-quality role players.
One of the top unrestricted free agents is Jalen Brunson, a guy who is a nice fit with Cade Cunningham on paper and has been playing well in the playoffs.
That fire was stoked by a recent report that Detroit was “planning a big-money offer” for Brunson, according to insider Marc Stein.
"It's going to be expensive to keep him."
— Bally Sports (@BallySports) April 26, 2022
Jalen Brunson figures to command a 4-year, $80 million contract in free agency, where the Mavs will face competition from the Pistons, Knicks and Pacers, says @TheSteinLine.
(via @BallySportsSW) pic.twitter.com/QM4IVLHk7b
The question is what a “big money offer” might look like and how much is too much for a guy like Jalen Brunson?
Detroit Pistons: The Jalen Brunson fit
Brunson is a 25-year-old out of Villanova, which would give the Pistons another smart and tough player to go along with Saddiq Bey. Building a Villanova connection wouldn’t be the worst thing, as they have produced quality NBA players who fit the Pistons’ mold.
Brunson has improved every year he’s been in the league, culminating in this season when he averaged 16.3 points and 4.8 assists on 37 percent shooting from long range. Brunson has found another level in the playoffs, where he has averaged 28.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists for the Mavericks as both the first and second option.
He would give the Detroit Pistons another playmaker who could take some of the pressure off Cade Cunningham, but Brunson is also ok being the second option, as he has been with Luka Doncic.
The Pistons are reportedly interested because of that fit with Doncic, as well as the fact that Brunson is still on the upswing, has another level, and the Pistons would be getting all of his prime years.
He fits the timeline and fills a major need, but how much is it going to cost to get him?