If the Detroit Pistons are still in the market for a backup point guard, they will have competition in the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Los Angeles Clippers recently participated in a three-team trade by sending out Norman Powell and receiving John Collins in exchange. We’ve already covered how Collins is an excellent pickup for a team looking to add depth in the frontcourt, but this move also opens up the Clippers’ depth chart for a potential pickup in the backcourt too. With a lack of playmaking outside of James Harden, the Clippers may be in the market for a backup point guard and compete with the Detroit Pistons and other teams for the remaining options.
Detroit Pistons have free agency challenges
The Pistons have already lost out on their preferred option at backup point guard (retaining Dennis Schroder) to another team that could offer a different situation. The Kings were able to offer a little more money than the Pistons wanted to extend to Schroder, and were also able to offer a starting role. On the Pistons, Schroder would have been backing up Cade Cunningham and potentially splitting backup duties with Jaden Ivey.
Acquiring free agents can be more art than science sometimes when considering the very human factors that motivate NBA players. When it comes to veteran point guards, the Pistons have the disadvantage of not yet being a true contender. This can dismay some reliable players who are looking to ring chase on the back end of their career.
At the same time, the Pistons already have key members of their young core in Cunningham and Ivey who are slated to handle a lot of point guard responsibilities, dissuading younger options looking to prove themselves.
Consider the case of Chris Paul: he has already announced next season will be the last of his storied career. He would be a perfect choice to mentor the budding Cade Cunningham, especially considering his propensity for midrange jumpers in his prime. Unfortunately for the Pistons, he will likely prefer the Clippers or another win-now team. He has also stated that he would like to be closer to his kids in LA, so the Clippers would seem to be the most logical destination.
Between their small market status and the unique situation of the team, the Pistons may have an uphill battle signing a free agent to be their backup point guard. Fortunately, the team seems prepared to fill that void through creative and internal means.