Latest Pistons free agent rumor shows new level of desperation

The Detroit Pistons have been attached to just about every big trade and free agency rumor this summer, but so far, none have come to fruition. 

The Pistons made it clear they were chasing a second option for Cade Cunningham, something he’s not really had in his five years in the league so far. Frustration has been growing in the fanbase as the Pistons have once again spent the offseason working around the fringes and not making additions that will truly move the needle. 

Of course, the team did win 60 games last season and was five wins from the Finals, so they didn’t need to re-invent the wheel. 

But the moves they’ve made so far don’t make the Pistons clearly better, and they still don’t have enough scoring punch next to Cunningham, which has led Detroit to a new level of desperation. 

DeMar DeRozan is a better fit with the new-look roster 

According to insider Marc Stein (subscription), the Pistons are one of the teams interested in unrestricted free agent DeMar DeRozan. 

Depending on what type of deal DeRozan would accept, the Pistons could likely sign him and still have enough space under the first tax apron to retain Jalen Duren. 

DeRozan is 36 years old, but can still play, as he averaged over 18 points and four assists last season while shooting 50 percent from the floor. DeRozan is also one of the most reliable players in the NBA, as you can pretty much pencil him in for 75+ games a season. 

The Pistons lost their reliable veteran leader when Tobias Harris went to the Spurs, so having another guy like him wouldn’t be the worst thing even if he is past his prime. 

And some of the challenges DeRozan would have presented have been mitigated by the Pistons’ influx of shooting. DeRozan is not a 3-point shooter and never will be, as he has made his money in the mid-range where Cade Cunningham also likes to work. 

With more shooting around them, this might be tenable, though there would still be spacing concerns. DeRozan can at least get his own shot, which would be helpful, and he takes care of the ball, but after all of the rumors we’ve heard, this would likely disappoint a large section of the fanbase. 

A new level of desperation 

I don’t hate the idea of DeRozan on a one-year minimum deal but also can’t act like he was anywhere near the first choice. DeRozan is clearly a tier or two below many of the players Detroit was attached to, so it would be difficult to get too excited about adding him in free agency. 

It may be an indication that Trajan Langdon is starting to feel a little heat here, as it’s hard to keep being attached to players only to lose them to other teams, and he may be feeling pressure to get something splashy done. 

I am not sure this really qualifies, but it does show the Pistons are exploring every possibility and have reached a point where doing something is better than nothing. 

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