The Detroit Pistons were having a boring offseason, but that has changed after the shocking Malik Beasley news from yesterday which revealed he’s under federal investigation for gambling.
That changes the offseason for the Pistons, who suddenly have ways to carved out 20+ million in cap space or have an open MLE that they were planning to use to keep Beasley for three more seasons.
Prior to all of this, it appeared Dennis Schroder was the odd man out, as the Sacramento Kings are reportedly set to offer him a two-year deal at $15 million per season, which the Pistons can now much more easily match.
The twist is that Dennis Schroder wants to come back to Detroit according to a video he put out in which he said his wish is to stay with the Pistons, but that Detroit isn’t waiting on him. It now appears that Schroder is chasing Detroit instead of the other way around.
But will that change now that Beasley is likely out of the Pistons’ plans?
Detroit Pistons free agency: What to do with Dennis Schroder
The Pistons have been connected to free agent Nickeil Alexander-Walker in recent rumors and if they go that direction, Schroder’s days in Detroit may be over.
It’s not about position, as NAW isn’t a point guard, but about money, as it would likely take most of the Pistons’ cap space to keep him from going to Atlanta. That doesn’t rule out Schroder, but with the Pistons reportedly looking for a stretch big as well, it would be a lot of money wrapped up in guards if they were to sign both NAW and Schroder.
Schroder was a big part of the Pistons’ run to the playoffs, and even though the Kings can likely offer him a bigger role, it’s clear he wants to stay in Detroit, something the Pistons should consider.
I hope they can work it out, as I love Schroder’s experience and big game courage, and they could also use a veteran backup who can help close out games, who doesn’t turn the ball over and can make free throws.
It appears the Pistons are not making Schroder a priority, which may send him to the Kings, but I am hoping he waits this out a few days to see what happens, as things are up in the air in Detroit right now with their offseason suddenly going in a dramatic new direction.