The Detroit Pistons' only long-term question is at power forward and the Houston Rockets may have the answer.
The Pistons have veteran Tobias Harris, who is only under contract for one more season, and have no immediate replacement. Detroit has an interesting prospect in Bobi Klintman, but he’s far from ready to play big minutes on a team that wants to get back to the playoffs.
Ideally, the Pistons could find a younger four who could supplement Harris next season and eventually replace him. A free agent like Naz Reid would fit the bill, but he won’t come cheap, as the Timberwolves are going to do what they can to retain him, and he’ll be one of the top available free agents.
Another team to watch is the Houston Rockets, who have their own financial challenges with Fred VanVleet’s possible free agency to go along with Steven Adams' and two young players in Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. up for extensions this summer.
It won’t be easy for the Rockets to keep them all, which may open an opportunity for the Detroit Pistons to swoop in and get their power forward of the future.
Jabari Smith Jr. could be a fit on the Detroit Pistons, but so could Tari Eason
Bleacher Report recently suggested that Jabari Smith Jr. should be a trade target for the Pistons this summer and it makes some sense.
He’d be the answer to their biggest long-term need and his next contact won’t kick in until Tobias Harris is gone or at least on a much cheaper deal. Smith Jr. has already shown shooting touch and shot blocking at 6-foot-11 and he’s only 22, so there is room for growth.
The Rockets could be one of the most active teams this summer in talks for stars, and if they end up landing one (Kevin Durant), some of their young players may have to go, including Jabari Smith Jr., who is going to command a hefty extension.
If Houston decides to prioritize Smith Jr., Tari Eason is another player I have always liked. He’s tough and versatile defensively, can shoot the 3-ball a little and also fits the timeline at 23 years old. He may be a cheaper option than Smith Jr. if the Rockets have to make a choice.
They may not, as Houston does have the financial flexibility to bring all of these guys back, but also has to think about eventual extensions for Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore and Reed Sheppard, a good problem to have if you are Houston, as they are so loaded with young talent that Sheppard couldn’t even get on the floor after being taken 3rd in the draft.
Trading for a player like Jabari Smith Jr., is a bigger move than I expect the Pistons to make this summer, but if one of the Rockets’ forwards does become available, Detroit should definitely pick up the phone.