Best remaining free agents offer a lifeline to the Pistons

The Detroit Pistons still have minor needs at backup point guard and power forward, and there are players left in free agency who could fill those roles. 

Trajan Langdon may not see it as a problem, as he has a solid nine-man rotation already with guys like Marcus Sasser and Paul Reed ready to fill the gaps. He also has a $14.3 million TPE to play around with and may want to save it for a bigger move at the trade deadline when the roster needs will be better defined. 

The Pistons’ offseason may be over, but there are some interesting names still available in free agency. Here’s a good list from cap guru Keith Smith: 

In the remote chance the Pistons do add another player, it’s not likely to be a shooting guard or wing, as they are already stacked at those positions. That leaves point guard, power forward, and center, but each option presents challenges. 

Point guard 

There isn’t a Dennis Schroder-type point guard on the market, but Malcolm Brogdon and Russell Westbrook could provide impact minutes in limited roles. 

Brogdon has been plagued with injuries, so not a likely choice for Trajan Langdon and Westbrook may want a bigger role than the Pistons have to offer. There has been some speculation about Westbrook as a fit, but speculation is all it is. 

I see we’re at the time of year when people try to talk themselves into Ben Simmons, which means we are officially in the dog days of the offseason. NO. 

There’s not much here unless the Pistons want to go extreme bargain hunting, in which case they may as well just roll with Sasser. 

Power forward and center 

We’ve talked about the possibility of Trey Lyles, Chris Boucher and Precious Achiuwa as possible fits for the Pistons, as all guys offer versatility and depth Detroit currently lacks behind Tobias Harris. 

If Ron Holland II proves himself capable of an increased role here, there may not be many minutes left, which is why Lyles seems like the best option. He can hit 3’s, give some big man insurance and should be cheap. 

Al Horford is another guy I would love, but it appears he’s going to sign with the Warriors at some point once they end the Jonathan Kuminga saga.  

The Detroit Pistons aren’t desperate and don’t have to sign anyone. They can wait and see how things shake out in the rest of the offseason and have plenty of time to make a move before next year’s deadline if they need one. 

But depth is a concern, especially at power forward, where one injury could leave the Pistons shorthanded.