Detroit Pistons free agency: Cam Johnson or Jerami Grant?
The Fit
With both Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey to make plays and facilitate the offense, the Detroit Pistons will be looking for wings with strong catch-and-shoot numbers, and both of these guys have them.
Johnson shot 38.4 percent on catch-and-shoot 3-point shots this past season and Grant hit 39.3 of his on almost the same number of attempts per game, so there is no real edge here.
Grant’s playmaking ability might make him more desirable, especially given the injury woes the Pistons have had the last few seasons.
Speaking of injuries, both players have had them, though Grant has been more reliable overall. Johnson played just 42 games this season and has never played more than 66 games in a season in his career.
Grant was pretty much an Iron Man before coming to Detroit, where he missed a lot of games due to end of the season tank injuries that he would have played through if the team were actually trying to win games.
However, Grant is two years older, which is really the only area where Johnson might have an advantage. But both are still in their late 20’s, so the Pistons would be getting a big chunk of their prime. Grant’s next contract will likely take him to age 32, while Johnson will be 30.
The Detroit Pistons also have a level of comfort and familiarity with Grant, who has a great relationship with GM Troy Weaver and really seemed to have liked his time in Detroit.
There are pros and cons to either of these players, but when you factor in obtainability, skill and fit, Grant has an edge.
Advantage: Jerami Grant