The Detroit Pistons are off to an unexpected start, which already has people talking about future roster moves.
It’s a bit early for all of that, as the Pistons have to see how real this is before they do anything drastic one way or another. There is a good chance that fans hoping Detroit makes a big splash are going to be disappointed.
This year is about growth for the young players and that is happening, especially in the backcourt, where both Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey have improved on both ends.
But some of these players are not going to be around after this season as the Pistons transition from growth to trying to make the playoffs consistently.
For the Pistons to make meaningful additions next offseason, they will have to lose some of their expensive luxuries, but there is one guy they have to bring back.
Paul Reed: Too expensive for a third center
Reed’s $8 million salary for next season is only partially guaranteed, and while I do like his game as a backup, he has barely played.
That could change if the Pistons suffer an injury to Jalen Duren or Isaiah Stewart, so Reed is good to have under glass in case of emergency, but next season a third center who barely plays would be an expensive luxury at $8 million, as there are minimum guys out there who can fill that role.
There is also a chance the Pistons will look to upgrade at center, but either way Reed is making more than his current play warrants.
Tim Hardaway Jr.: We'll see...
THJ has been great this season, as a shooter and even on defense, where he has at least been engaged, a welcome change from veterans past.
He’s on an expiring contract that pays him $16 million this season, after which he’ll be an unrestricted free agent.
The Pistons have needed his shooting this season, but it’s unlikely they’ll be able to keep him long term with two emerging wings in Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland II. Moving forward, the Pistons will have to prioritize those players.
It’s possible THJ and the Pistons can work something out and reunite on a short-term deal similar to the one Malik Beasley is on, but it will depend on their strategy for next offseason and whether they decide to go big or stay the course with some tweaks.
It’s still early so we could feel a lot different about this one (either way) in a few months.
Malik Beasley: The Pistons have to bring him back
It’s a shame the Pistons couldn’t have locked Beasley into a longer deal at the rate he is currently on, as he’s been one of the best value contracts in the league at $6 million.
He’s giving the Pistons his typical elite 3-point shooting, hitting 40 percent on over nine attempts per game, but Beasley has also given them boosts in other areas.
He’s been a surprisingly engaged defender and has set an example on that end with his effort even if he isn’t a lockdown guy.
He’s also provided some leadership and personality to a team that desperately needed both. I like that he’s a little brash, that he talks a bit of trash and he’s clearly been a vocal leader on and off the court.
Beasley is only 27-years-old, so worth investing in on a longer deal in the offseason, especially if he’s keen to return and will do it without a big raise.