The deadline for the 2019 NBA Draft class to sign rookie scale extensions has now come and gone. Of those who did not agree on an extension, their names will enter the pool as a restricted free agent next summer. There are a few names that may make sense for the Detroit Pistons to pursue.
Before going into anyone specific, it’s best to point out that the Pistons (or any team) may not be able to get most or any of these guys away from their current team, depending on how motivated those teams are to keep their existing player on the roster for the 2023-24 season and potentially on a longer term.
For a restricted free agent, they are able to sign an offer sheet with any team, however their existing team has the right to retain the player by matching the terms of the signed offer sheet. We saw this in action this past summer when the Suns matched the offer sheet that Deandre Ayton signed with the Pacers.
The Detroit Pistons were rumored to be an offer sheet team for Deandre Ayton, but elected to use their cap space to absorb salary and garner additional assets, so they may decide to take a similar approach with their available room next offseason. However, some members of the upcoming RFA class may be just what Troy Weaver is looking for as he works to bring in more talent that could be a part of what he sees for the roster’s final product.
Detroit Pistons restricted free agent targets: Cam Johnson
Johnson and the Suns failed to reach an agreement on an extension before Monday’s deadline, leaving the stretch forward’s future with the team uncertain. An interesting aspect of the Suns not reaching a deal with Johnson is the team’s Jae Crowder situation. If Crowder remains away from the team for a long period of time while they work toward a resolution, Johnson may very well enter the starting lineup in Crowder’s place. If this season wasn’t already important for Johnson, the increased role this year could make or break how the offseason contract talks go for him.
For the Pistons, Johnson would be a huge help to the 3-point shooting issue as a career 39 percent shooter from three, including a staggering 42.5 percent last season. Johnson is also a high volume 3-point shooter, taking five and a half attemps per game on his career, allowing him to add some spacing alongside those he could share the floor with in Detroit.
How the Suns season goes this year will impact their decision on Johnson moving forward. If he plays his way into a starter moving forward I believe the two sides will work towards a deal quickly, taking Johnson off the table for extending an offer sheet. However, if the team finds themselves in a situation where they need to re-tool their roster, parting ways could be the best outcome for both sides. Especially after the Suns have already extended Mikal Bridges and matched Ayton’s offer sheet.
If the latter does happen, Johnson would be toward the top of my list as potential offer sheet players next offseason.