The Detroit Pistons need some impact additions to the roster if they hope to pivot towards being competitive in the Eastern Conference next season.
Detroit has the 5th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and will likely have the second-most amount of cap space in the league this summer to use on free agency and trades.
After a positive and encouraging introductory press conference with Monty Williams, it is now on Troy Weaver to give his new coach a competitive roster.
In a recent conversation with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Pistons’ beat writer James Edwards III dropped some names that have been floating around Detroit. All of these potential free agent pickups would help the Pistons, but each presents a unique challenge when it comes to acquiring him.
Detroit Pistons: Rumored free agent targets present challenges
Torrey Craig
Who is he? A tough, veteran 3-and-D wing
The challenge: Convincing him to play for a rebuilding team
One of the players mentioned was Torrey Craig, and if you have read my work at all, you’ll know he’s a guy I’ve been championing for years. Every good team needs a guy like Craig, who is willing to take on any defensive assignment, always plays hard and has evolved into a good 3-point shooter over the last few seasons.
He has ties to Monty Williams, who coached the best seasons of Craig’s career in Phoenix. The challenge will be convincing a 32-year-old who has only played on winning teams to come to a Detroit team that just won 17 games.
Will Craig’s connection to Williams be enough to convince him? Possibly, but there will likely be contending teams after his services as well.
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.
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.
Detroit Pistons: Rumored free agent targets present challenges
Jerami Grant
Who is he? You know who he is or you wouldn’t be reading this
The challenge: Convincing him to leave Portland
Jerami Grant is arguably the best two-way wing on the market and he’s unrestricted, so the Detroit Pistons can just throw a big pile of money at him.
He has close ties with GM Troy Weaver and seemed to enjoy his last tour in Detroit, so a reunion makes sense. His game has also evolved, as he was more of a catch-and-shoot guy in Portland and thrived in that role.
The challenge is that Portland may want to keep him depending on their plans this summer, as Grant was good for them and is also friends of superstar Damian Lillard. If the Trail Blazers decide to run it back with Lillard again (stupid) then keeping Grant will be a priority, especially if they aren’t able to make a big draft trade.
If the money is the same, would Grant choose a reunion with Detroit over playing another season with Dame? Hard to say, but the Pistons are likely to make him one of their top targets and will at least make an offer.