The Boston Celtics are one of the Detroit Pistons biggest threats in the Eastern Conference moving forward, but this offseason alone, Brad Stevens and company could be one of the Pistons' biggest allies.
According to NBA Insider Marc Stein (subscription) it's become a foregone conclusion that big man Nikola Vucevic will be signing elsewhere this offseason.
Vucevic isn't the star big man he used to be, and his underwhelming stint with the Celtics all but confirmed that.
Still, Detroit needs to bolster their second unit this offseason, and with the uncertainty surrounding Jalen Duren's future in the Motor City, the Pistons may have to pivot if things go south in contract negotiations.
Nikola Vucevic would be a solid value signing for the Pistons
Vuc may not be the most noteworthy option for Detroit to pursue this summer, but he may be one of the most versatile.
Obviously, the 35-year-old has his defensive limitations that alone could call his fit in J.B. Bickerstaff's system into question, but then again, so did Duncan Robinson, and Trajan Langdon opted to push for an offensive boost and overlook the warning signs.
Vucevic didn't find a long-term fit in Boston, and part of the reason why is that he struggled to find a fit in Joe Mazzulla's system, which was largely contributed to the mid-season return of Jayson Tatum, and the Celtics struggled to find a way to help the big man find his footing when he returned from injury.
In Detroit, though, Vucevic would be given a full offseason to find his role, and with the offensive upside, it could be a signing for the Pistons that pays off in the end.
Averaging 15.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 49.3% shooting from field goal range and 36.9% from three, it's clear that the USC product still can produce at a high level.
Landing with the Pistons would offer Vuc a chance to contend, and given the point he's at in his career, it's fair to assume he understands that a sixth man role may be the most likely option for him to find this offseason.
That said, Detroit could use the leverage of his rough stint in Boston to land Vucevic on a team-friendly contract that could help them secure an offensive boost in the frontcourt and, at the very least, a spot starter they could rely on.
Is it the most attractive name? No, probably not, but it would be a low-risk, high-reward signing, especially if the team can find a way to manage his defensive shortcomings and capitalize on his offensive upside, utilizing the pick-and-pop game with Cade Cunningham.
Isaiah Stewart may not be back on the roster next season, Duren's future is up in the air, and while Paul Reed has shown flashes, the idea of bringing Vucevic in shouldn't be dismissed if the value is right.
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