Plotting the dream offseason for the Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons got a head start on their preseason, revamping their roster at the trade deadline and making good on Tom Gores' promise that big changes were coming.
But the job is far from over.
The Pistons only have six players under contract for next season, so expect more change to come, as most of the players they acquired at the deadline are not part of the long-term plans.
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That means more dealing in free agency and trades. The Pistons may fire Troy Weaver at the end of this season, but if not, he'll have one offseason to make it right. if Detroit does keep him and the Pistons aren't playoff contenders next season (or at least play-in), Weaver will almost certainly be fired if he lasts that long.
The Pistons will once again have the cap space to add impact talent, but will they? What would the dream offseason look like?
The Detroit Pistons should re-sign Simone Fontecchio
The Pistons didn't trade for Simone Fontecchio just to let him walk at the end of the season. They've already made it clear they see him as part of the future and since he will be a restricted free agent, they will have every chance to re-sign him.
Hopefully he'll get a deal in the 3 years/$30 million or lower range, though it's possible that a weak market will drive up his price.
A guy who shoots nearly 40 percent from 3-point range and has the quickness and length to defend is a fit with the young core, and Fontecchio already showed that promise in his first game with the team.
They gave up a good second-round pick to get him and Fontecchio is a solid rotation player, so bringing him back should be a priority regardless of the other moves they make.
The Pistons should extend Quentin Grimes
I was excited about the addition of Quentin Grimes, who is a very good defender and can shoot the 3-ball, though his strengths mostly lie on the defensive side of the ball.
He's a fit with what they have, a hard worker and will reunite with his Houston teammate Marcus Sasser. Like Fontecchio, Grimes is a solid rotation player who fits the core and should be on a team-friendly deal.
Those moves will eat up some of the Pistons' cap space, but they will still have plenty left for one of three options that will make their big splash of the offseason.
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