What Pistons free agent rumors could mean for Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren

Mar 7, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA;  Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) dribbles defended by Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) dribbles defended by Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports | Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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Fans of the Detroit Pistons have been playing the waiting game so far this offseason. 

We waited for a president to be hired, then waited to see if Trajan Langdon would fire Troy Weaver (he did). 

Now we wait for the ruling on Monty Williams, who is reportedly being evaluated by Langdon and that decision should come soon.

Then the 2024 NBA Draft and free agency are right around the corner, so after all of this waiting, there will be exponential change on the Detroit Pistons in the coming weeks.

They also have to change the strategy of how they use the young talent that they have. 

Detroit Pistons: It’s time for the young players to earn it 

For the last four seasons the Detroit Pistons have started rookies and played them big minutes without much competition. 

With few talented veterans on the roster, players like Killian Hayes, Cade Cunningham, Isaiah Stewart Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson were immediately thrust into the starting lineup without having to do anything to earn it. 

They were allowed to play and make mistakes with impunity, a developmental strategy that drew criticism, as players picked up bad habits and often got minutes just for showing up as there weren't alternative options.

That could all be about to change this offseason as Trajan Langdon is reportedly looking at free agents that would compete for minutes with the young players and in some cases, may send them to the bench or even to another team.

Here are three rumored free-agent targets and what their additions might mean to Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren. 

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