Detroit Pistons: Top targets in 2024 free agency

Detroit Pistons: The 2024 NBA free-agent class

Buddy Hield, 6’4 SG UFA (30)

Since coming into the league, Buddy Hield has done nothing but shoot the cover off the ball. Averaging over 16 points per game for his career with a 40.2 career 3-point percentage, Hield would bring three-point shooting that this team needs badly, especially if they decide to part ways with Joe Harris and Alec Burks. Hield currently ranks 3rd in the NBA in highest volume catch and shooting, clocking 476 attempts and converting on an absurd 42 percent of them, higher than the likes of both Keagan Murray and Klay Thompson.

While Buddy doesn’t do much else in the way of assists, rebounds or steals, his leadership and shooting would be enough to elevate this team alone. The would-be 31 year old is set to make $18.5M, finishing out a 4 year/$94M deal this season, a range that Detroit could comfortably match. Hield is my favorite to be signed next season for a Detroit team that hopefully will be past play-in contention and safely in the playoffs.

Miles Bridges, 6’7 SF UFA (25)

Miles Bridges makes his way onto this list as one of the most polarizing and complicated players. Miles is set to become a free agent next season, after serving 20 of his 30 game suspension this past season. He will finish his final 10 game sentence during the upcoming season. With his legal issues hopefully a thing of the past, Bridges is looking to make a comeback and continue where he left off.

Before having to take time away from the NBA, Miles was on track to post the best season of his career. He even ended as a betting favorite for the league’s Most Improved Player. Shooting almost 35 percent from deep, Miles averaged 20 points per night to go along with close to six rebounds. The walking highlight reel that is Miles Bridges would bring spacing and shooting to the wing position Detroit currently does not possess. If Bridges came home and joined the Detroit Pistons, in terms of pure athleticism, the rich would simply get richer as Detroit would easily sport the most athletic roster in the NBA.

Just a week ago, Bridges signed a one year, $7.9M qualifying offer from the Hornets. I’m not going to even guess at what Miles will ask in the open market because there are so many variables that likely will dictate his free agency. But, I think having Bridges come home for his comeback would benefit both him and Detroit.

Of course,Bridges also comes with plenty of controversy, and as much as the Pistons have talked about culture, they may want to stay far away.

The 2024 free-agent class is probably not going to turn the Detroit Pistons into a super-team, but they can add some lower level additions that should complement their stars and improve the roster.