Pistons news: 12 interviews, still waiting and new rim protectors on the trade market

Information has been slow to leak, but the Detroit Pistons have obviously been busy behind the scenes in their search for a new team president. 

According to Marc Stein (Subscription), the search firm TurnkeyZRG has conducted at least 12 interviews of potential candidates. 

My first response to that was, 12?!? I’d love to see a list of people who have been interviewed thus far. While that may remain a mystery, some names have emerged including Trajan Langdon from the Pelicans and Dennis Lindsey from the Mavericks. 

The Pistons would love to get an interview with Tim Connelly of the Timberwolves (and former GM of the Nuggets), but they’ll have to continue to be patient, as Minnesota defeated the defending champs in game seven last night and will move on to the Western Conference Finals against the Mavericks. 

With two more series possibly waiting in the Timberwolves’ future, the Pistons may decide to move on from Connelly rather than potentially wait, as we are only a month away from teams being able to negotiate with their own free agents. 

The Pistons are in a holding pattern until this hire is made, but rumors are already starting to emerge about the upcoming trade market. 

Detroit Pistons rumors: New rim protectors hit the trade market 

Stein also reported some names that may be available for trade this summer and both guys could interest the Detroit Pistons. 

The Pistons need rim protection and could look to a free agent like Nic Claxton or Isaiah Hartenstein, or they could try to find some via trade. 

Jarrett Allen is one name to watch according to Stein, as the Cavaliers will put all of their focus on retaining Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley and could have to cut some payroll. 

Allen is an All-Star just entering his prime and also happens to be on one of the best contracts in the NBA, with two years/$40 million left on his deal, so if he hits the market, there will be suitors. 

Another name to watch is Clint Capela from the Hawks, who could be a possible short-term option for the Pistons, as he has just one year left on his current deal. A recent trade proposal with the Hawks could be amended to include Capela, who would likely be cheaper or a possible throw-in to a bigger deal. 

The question now is whether the Pistons will wait for Connelly or move forward with their search, as the clock is ticking, and they have a lot of work to do this offseason.