For all of the talk and speculation about big offseason moves, the Detroit Pistons are far more likely to prioritize bringing back their own players.
They have the space to bring back Malik Beasley and Dennis Schroder and still have enough to improve around the fringes with a free agent like Jake LaRavia.
It’s not the sexiest offseason, and there are still open possibilities the Pistons will explore, but it seems the most likely scenario for a young team that still needs to evaluate its key players as a group.
It’s exactly what happens in Bleacher Report’s free-agent predictions, which have the Pistons missing on some of the top guys but bringing back their own.
The Pistons aren't getting Myles Turner
Turner isn’t a realistic possibility for the Pistons unless they want to make several other moves, as they don’t have the cap space to accommodate what will likely be a $30 million annual salary.
Naz Reid possibility is there
All signs from Minnesota point to them trying to work out a long-term deal with Reid, who has a player option that he’ll likely decline unless the Timberwolves find a way to fold it into a new deal.
There is a sign-and-trade possibility if the two sides can’t come to an agreement, in which case the Pistons might be in business, as they have an expiring contract (Tobias Harris) in the same range Reid will likely get in his next contract.
Malik Beasley is coming back to Detroit
This seems like a forgone conclusion, as the Pistons have two paths to re-signing Beasley and there is mutual interest.
Detroit lacked shooting even with Beasley boosting the numbers, so bringing him back should and probably will be their top priority.
Dennis Schroder is most likely back with the Pistons
Schroder is less of a certainty than Beasley, though he was very good for the Pistons and gives them insurance at the guard spot with a veteran you know can run an offense.
His return is less about his fit and more about finances, as he’ll be an expensive luxury if Detroit decides to invest resources elsewhere in free agency or a trade for a bigger contract.
The Pistons will continue to be mentioned in rumors, and I wouldn’t really be shocked by anything after some of the recent trades we’ve seen in the NBA. I wouldn’t rule anything out at this point.
These predictions may not be the most exciting ones, but they are arguably the most realistic and pragmatic options for a roster looking to grow through continuity, chemistry and internal improvement.
Now that I’ve said that the Pistons will probably trade for Giannis.