Pistons named as possible landing spot for future free-agent stars

The Detroit Pistons could get Pascal Siakam, but do we really want him?

Pascal Siakam

The last player B/R named as a possibility for Detroit is Pascal Siakam, who is by far the most likely of this group.

Siakam is in the final year of his deal and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. B/R predicts that he will be traded to the team that eventually re-signs him, but we should probably hope that team is not the Detroit Pistons.

Don’t get me wrong, Siakam is good, but he has some things going against him. The first is that Detroit might have to trade for him, a massive risk considering his pending free agency. If they really want him they should just wait so they don’t have to give up anything but money to get him. If some other team like the Pacers wants to swoop in, offer a nice trade package, and land Siakam before maxing him, go for it.

The second is that next contract. Are we sure we want to be paying max money to a 30-year-old Siakam? He’s still good, but there are reasons to be concerned about his future and his possible fit. He’s not a good 3-point shooter and his numbers have dipped even more so far this season, as he is hitting just 29 percent on over five attempts per game. Siakam is shooting just 45 percent overall, worst of his career, and all of his counting stats are down.

It’s still very early, but paying max dollars for a guy who is past his prime is not a recipe for success in team building. This is especially true when Isaiah Stewart is playing well and on a team-friendly contract.

Siakam may be gettable but the price will be high and it could burn the Pistons in the end.