Longshots and possibilities: Tier one stars the Detroit Pistons could pursue
By Tyler Dutton
Detroit Pistons fans are tired of hearing that the team is continuing to create cap space so they can make a big move during the offseason. The front office said this repeatedly last year, and wound up using some, not much, of their money to acquire assets. This most recent trade deadline, Detroit did more of the same. The moves that they made opened them up, theoretically, to sign not one, but two high profile players this upcoming offseason. So who would they possibly target?
Some of these may be a long shot, but let’s have some fun looking at some actual stars Detroit could target in what I consider tier one options. We will get into tier two and three next week and the week after.
Related Story. 12 Stars who could be traded and the Pistons chance of landing one. 12 Stars who could be traded and the Pistons chance of landing one. dark
Possible stars for the Detroit Pistons
Extreme longshot: Paul George, 6’8 SF/PF, 33
Paul George to Detroit would definitely be a shocking move for the Pistons. Being that George will be 34 next season, this would definitely still constitute as a game changing get. An All Star this year, George is averaging 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and is shooting almost 40 percent from three. While his averages are good, his defensive rating is even better. Coming in at 104.3, he is far above league average. Positionally, Paul fits Detroit’s needs. The 6-foot-8 wing can slide in at the four (a common theme amongst everyone on this list).
It isn't perfect between George and Detroit, though. His age doesn’t align whatsoever with Detroit’s roster, so this would clearly be an all-in signing. On top of his age, however, the other issue with Paul would be the pull to get him to Detroit. It’s no secret that Paul George loved his first seven seasons in Indiana with the Pacers. He has made multiple cryptic remarks surrounding his return to Indy. It seems most likely he stays in L.A or the Clippers must make a move due to the new Apron rules and he returns to Indianapolis. But Paul George would definitely change the landscape of this team, though the chances of that happening are miniscule.