The Detroit Pistons won 60 games this season, and that success will draw teams looking to poach their free agents, role players and even front office personnel.
That’s what is happening with the Chicago Bulls, who finally cleaned house in their front office and have started the search for the next executive to lead them, which includes the Pistons’ Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations Dennis Lindsey, according to insider Marc Stein (subscription):
“In addition to Minnesota's Lloyd, interviewees included Atlanta's Bryson Graham, Cleveland's Mike Gansey, Detroit's Dennis Lindsey and San Antonio's Dave Telep.
Sources tell The Stein Line that Lloyd, Graham and Lindsey are already regarded as finalists.”
Lindsey worked his way from video analyst to Assistant General Manager with the Rockets, before moving on to Assistant GM with the Spurs and eventually GM of the Utah Jazz. He’s now been involved in several successful rebuilds, and that success could make him the top candidate for the Bulls, who will basically be starting from scratch.
Given how quickly the Pistons turned things around, it’s not surprising that their front office looks appealing to teams looking to do the same.
But their front office won’t be the only Pistons teams try to poach this offseason.
The Pistons’ role players will be popular
Jalen Duren has put the Pistons in an awkward position this summer, as he has played like crap in the playoffs, which has to have them thinking twice about how much they want to offer him this summer.
If there is hesitation to give Duren a max deal (which there should be), some team, possibly even the Bulls, might swoop in and try to poach the 22-year-old All-Star. I wouldn’t have thought this coming into the playoffs, but I am now wondering if there’s a number the Pistons wouldn’t match.
Tobias Harris could be a popular free agent for young teams looking to use his veteran leadership and stability the same way that the Pistons did. I’m sure there’s some hope of a reunion with Harris, but that will all depend on the number, and another team might be willing to offer more.
Same with Javonte Green, who has proven himself to be the Pistons’ glue guy and one who will probably get a raise this summer, and it may not be from Detroit.
If the Pistons are looking to free up some cap space, guys like Paul Reed, Daniss Jenkins and Marcus Sasser could also draw attention on the trade market.
Regardless of how these playoffs turn out, the Pistons have had enough success in the last two years to garner attention from teams looking to tap into their formula, whether it’s in the front office or on the court.
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