Detroit Pistons: Rumored free agent targets present challenges
Detroit Pistons: Rumored free agent targets present challenges
Yuta Watanabe
Who is he? An inexpensive free-agent sharpshooter
The challenge: Every team needs shooting
Watanabe is another guy I’ve talked about as a possibility for the Detroit Pistons, as they definitely need more shooting. Watanabe hit 44 percent of his 3-point shots this past season and would be a great fit on the Pistons, who need a floor spreader around their dynamic guards. Watanabe is also reportedly a great teammate, so would also be a nice get for the culture.
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The challenge is that every team needs 3-point shooting and Watanabe isn’t going to break the bank, so he’ll have a lot of interested teams. He’ll definitely get more than the $1.9 million he made this season, but will still be on a team-friendly contract. If he has a number of suitors, the Pistons may have to spend a bit more to get him which is not ideal considering he’s a limited role player.
Cam Johnson
Who is he? One of the best available two-way wings
The challenge: He’s a restricted free agent
Cam Johnson has been talked about a lot as a possibility in Pistons’ circles, as he is still relatively young, can shoot the 3-ball and is a decent defender. His numbers went up in an expanded role in Brooklyn, he fits the timeline and would slot in nicely next to Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.
The problem is that Brooklyn can match any offer and probably will unless it’s ridiculous. Here’s what James Edwards III had to say:
"“I think Brooklyn would probably match whatever realistic offer they get.”"
I have to agree here, as he was a big part of the Kevin Durant trade return and played well for the Nets, so it’s unlikely that they just let him walk for nothing. The Detroit Pistons may have to go well beyond the 4 years/$90 million he’s projected to get, in which case he may not be the most efficient allocation of resources.