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The Detroit Pistons can’t count on 2023 free agency to save them

By Aaron Kellerstrass

Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against Saddiq Bey #41 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against Saddiq Bey #41 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Pistons, Saddiq Bey, Kyle Kuzma
Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against Saddiq Bey #41 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Detroit Pistons: 2023 NBA free agents, options and fits

There are some veterans who would likely help the Detroit Pistons and look like fits on paper, but not all of them will be available:

  • Khris Middleton: The former Piston has a player option for $35 million next season, and it’s hard to see him walking away from that money or the chance to win more titles with the Bucks. He’s a good defender and a great shooter, but he’ll likely either play out his contract in Milwaukee or sign an extension at some point to stay.
  • Kristaps Porzingis: Porzingis would give the Pistons a boost of scoring and shot blocking, but he too has a massive player option for the 2023-24 season. He’s due to make $31 million next season and the way he is playing right now, will probably get another big contract after that. His injury history makes him a risk on a max deal, so it will be interesting to see what the Wizards do.

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  • Draymond Green: Green has expressed some interest in playing for the Pistons, and theoretically his skill set is one they need. He’s had very public contract negotiations with the Warriors and was reportedly not happy when he wasn’t offered an extension. He’s set to make $24 million next season and probably wants a raise after winning another ring. For all of the talk, I can’t see the Warriors breaking up their Big 3 until they can’t win any more, and who knows, maybe that year is here, as they are just 4-7 in the young season. I do think Draymond would help this young team, especially defensively, so if he opted out, he’s an option, but does Detroit really want to be paying big bucks for a guy in the latter stages of his career? If he were available, I’d probably take a risk on a 2-year deal, but that probably won’t be enough to entice Green to leave the Warriors. I think he’ll end up staying in Golden State.
  • Kevin Love: Love is 34, and although the Pistons could use his shooting, he wouldn’t help their defense and is better suited to be on the type of team he is on now, which has defenders that can hide him.
  • Kyle Kuzma: Kuzma is another guy who has a player option for next season, but he could turn it down, as it is for $13 million and he is having one of the best all-around seasons of his career. He would certainly get more than that on the open market, so if Kuzma turns down his option, he might be a possibility for Detroit. Kuzma is a pretty good defender and decent 3-point shooter who can rebound, so he’s one to keep an eye on if he hits the market. Would he really move the needle for the Pistons? On the right deal, I’d definitely consider Kuzma.