Possible free-agent preview in Detroit Pistons vs Nets

The Detroit Pistons are two games away from an offseason that promises to be exciting.

There could be huge roster churn, a new coach, another high pick in the NBA Draft and the Pistons have the cap space to be one of the most active teams in trades and free agency.

There are a ton of questions hanging over this team, and it’s possible that we’ll see a much different roster by the time next season comes around.

One thing is for certain: The Detroit Pistons need an upgrade at the small forward position and we could see them add several wings in the offseason. Not only is the 2023 NBA draft loaded with them, but there are also some names in free agency that might interest the Pistons.

One of them was in action against Detroit last night and gave the Pistons an early preview of a free agent they could pursue this offseason.

Detroit Pistons: 2023 NBA free agent Cameron Johnson

Cameron Johnson scored an efficient 15 points and added five rebounds and a steal in the Nets’ win over the Pistons last night.

Johnson is averaging 16.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in his 24 games with the Nets and is shooting 37.5 percent from 3-point range, which is down from his career average of 39.3 percent.

Given that he’d be playing with two creative guards, his accuracy on catch-and-shoot 3-point shots is important. He’s been over 38 percent on those shots for his career and takes most of his shots from beyond the arc.

The Pistons are the worst shooting team overall and 22nd in 3-point percentage, so adding a guy who has shot nearly 40 percent from long range for his career definitely has appeal. Johnson has great size and is also a decent defender, so he would help their biggest needs.

However, he will only be a restricted free agent, so it’s possible the Detroit Pistons would have to make a huge offer to pry him away from Brooklyn, which is why I put him in an article about guys the Pistons shouldn’t overpay.

Johnson does offer a lot of what the Pistons’ need, but is he worth the deal it would take to get him? He’s just entering his prime, so there’s a chance that his best years are still in front of him, but there’s also a chance he’s a middling role player that the Pistons don’t want to overpay.

Detroit got an up-close look last night and I’m sure Johnson is being discussed as a possible free agent target this offseason.