The Detroit Pistons have made it to the playoffs this season with a roster of young players and role-playing veterans who have all complemented each other well.
Without a bad contract on the books, the Pistons are financially flexible going into the offseason, so should be able to retain some of their own free agents and hopefully make another impact addition or two.
That flexibility may allow them to take advantage of one of the teams that is over the first or second apron and desperate not to be there. In addition to the many stars we’ll see hit the trade market, we may also see valuable role players available from teams trying to cut costs and get out of the tax.
One such team could be the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have overwhelmed the Eastern Conference this season with their combination of talent at the top and quality depth behind them.
The Cavs are facing down raises for Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, so it’s going to be difficult for them to keep some of their depth, as they are projected to be more than $11 million over the second apron, which has proven not only to be expensive financially, but creates big challenges when it comes to making trades.
The Pistons may be able to reduce some of Cleveland’s quality depth while adding to their own.
Ty Jerome
Ty Jerome will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, which is nice timing for him, as he’s coming off the best one of his career.
He’s putting up big numbers in just 19 minutes per game, averaging 12.5 points, 3.4 assists and 2.5 rebounds on elite shooting splits of 51/44/87, numbers that will garner him some Most Improved Player votes.
He’s making just $2.5 million this season, which makes him even more valuable, though he is about to get a raise in free agency.
It’s going to be difficult for the Cavs to bring him back without making moves elsewhere and he’s a quality backup who can provide depth at either guard spot. Depending on what happens with Dennis Schroder and Malik Beasley, Jerome could be an option for the Pistons that would give them more scoring pop off the bench.
Max Strus
Strus is going to be an expensive luxury for the Cavaliers next season, as he’s making $15.9 million. He’s another guy who provides value production per minute, as he logged 25 minutes per game this season and scored just under 10 points while adding, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, so he does more than just shoot.
He’s a good 3-point shooter and would be an upgrade over Simone Fontecchio on the wing even though Tek is a little bigger.
Could the Pistons potentially flip Tek in a deal for a player like Strus? I do think they’ll look to upgrade Simone’s spot and hopefully add depth to the power forward position as well. Strus would be a more reliable and versatile contributor and he’s on a reasonable deal.
It's too bad he’s not three inches taller, as he’d be a better fit.
Isaac Okoro
I’ve always liked Okoro, who is another glue guy who can do a little of everything while defending a couple of positions.
He’s been an underrated part of the Cavaliers’ defense and has improved his shooting, though he is taking fewer shots this season. He’s still only 24 and would definitely fit into the culture the Pistons are building as a tough defender.
He’s also locked into a solid deal for the next two seasons after this one at $11 million per season, so represents the type of player that will be valuable under the tax aprons, as he provides solid production at a reasonable price.
The Cavaliers have a great top four and plenty of quality depth behind them, but it’s going to be difficult for them to keep them all and stay under the second apron.