The Detroit Pistons chose Ron Holland with the 5th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, but it may not affect their strategy in free agency.
Trajan Langdon has made it clear (and even more so with his pick) that he’s not going to skip steps and that instant gratification is not his primary concern.
He took an 18-year-old project in the draft and talked about taking on contracts in exchange for assets. Langdon made good on that last night by taking on Wendell Moore Jr’s expiring contract to move up from the 53rd pick to the 37th.
The Pistons drafted Bobi Klintman with that pick, a guy many experts had ranked higher, so what seemed like an inconsequential move could pay off down the road.
When it comes to free agents, I expect Langdon to adopt a similar strategy by taking on role players who can help facilitate the growth of their young players, but not guys who are long-term solutions.
With that context in mind, here are six free agents that fit the Detroit Pistons and the style in which Trajan Langdon seems to be rebuilding his team. I expect him to sign short-term deals for large annual salaries and add stop-gap free agents who are fits but won’t have huge financial obligations in the future.
#6: Buddy Hield: Unrestricted free agent
After drafting another shooting project, the Pistons certainly need players who can knock down 3-point shots.
Having an extra wing defender also means some of Hield’s defensive concerns are mitigated by always having a quality defender on the floor with him.
Hield is one of the best volume 3-point shooters in NBA history, though he couldn’t get off the bench in the playoffs this season.
I wouldn’t go more than two years for Hield, as he’s on the wrong side of 30 and can’t defend, but he would help their shooting.
#5: Caleb Martin: Player option
Martin is a bit of a sleeper that not many are talking about, but he would be a great short-term fit on the Pistons as a versatile role player with a high motor who has played well in a winning environment in Miami.
Martin doesn’t stand out in any one area, but he’s a versatile defender who can knock down the occasional 3-point shot.
He won’t likely break the bank in free agency and would offer the Pistons some veteran leadership, which this young team needs.
#4: Naji Marshall: Unrestricted free agent
One of my favorite players in the league, Naji Marshall would fit right in with the type of culture the Pistons are trying to build.
He’s a tough player, defensively versatile and has improved his efficiency as a scorer every year in the league, shooting 46 percent from the floor and 39 percent from 3-point range this season.
He helped turn around the culture in New Orleans, which is based around defense and strong team environment. He could do the same in Detroit and Trajan Langdon will be well aware of that.
He’s not the lights-out shooter that many fans will want, but to me, the Pistons should build around defense and supplement with offense once it is a strength.
Give me more versatile wing defenders like Naji, guys who hustle don’t take plays off. He will also push the younger players on the team, something that has been sorely lacking during this rebuild when the young players had no veteran competition.
#3: Tobias Harris: Unrestricted free agent
We’ve been hearing about this one forever but things haven’t really changed. The Pistons still need a veteran who is a reliable scoring option behind Cade Cunningham and Harris is a solid as they come.
He rarely misses games and you know you are getting a guy who will hit shots and defend.
The issue with Harris is salary. If he wants to take a team-friendly deal to come to Detroit, I would welcome him with open arms, as he’s a great teammate and will help this team grow even if he doesn’t move the needle a ton in the win column.
If he is approaching anywhere near a max deal then the Pistons should move on, it’s that simple. Luckily, I don’t think the new regime is that desperate or dumb, so if Harris comes to Detroit, he won’t be making 30+million a year and I highly doubt he gets that from anyone.
#2: Isaiah Hartenstein: Unrestricted free agent
The Pistons still haven’t addressed their need for a rim protector, and now that Nic Claxton is off the board, may turn their attention to Hartenstein, who was very valuable for the Knicks as a rebounder and defender in the playoffs.
The Knicks would love to bring him back but it won’t be easy after all the coin they’ve spent this summer. If the Pistons can’t steal Hartenstein outright, then they might be able to take on Mitchell Robinson in exchange for an asset to help the Knicks facilitate the deal.
I’d be ok with either situation, as Robinson’s deal isn’t bad and he can block shots when he’s healthy. The Pistons should force the Knicks’ hand one way or the other and unlike in the past, actually make them pay to rent our cap space.
#1: Gary Trent Jr.: Unrestricted free agent
A quality three-point shooter. Check. A good defender. Check. A guy who can play with any of the guards the Pistons have and will make them better. Check.
I love Gary Trent Jr. as the Pistons top free-agent target, as he is the right age, has the right skillset and can help them through this stage of their rebuild into the next one.
He would help both Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey as a floor spreader who hits nearly 40 percent from deep. He’s also a good defender who can hold down the perimeter.
He’s likely going to get upwards of $20 million per season, but that’s the going rate for good role players these days and wouldn't hamper the Pistons in the long term.
Go get him.