Plotting the dream offseason for the Detroit Pistons
3 Options for the Detroit Pistons' big offseason splash
The Pistons clearly need more talent, whether it is one guy or a couple of role players who better fit their core. Here are three options for how to use the bulk of their cap space:
Option #1: Sign Tobias Harris
This is risky considering he is pushing 32 and would eat up most of their available cap space. I am also not completely sure about his fit with the core and whether he really moves the needle for the Pistons. That said, I do like Harris, but I do have concerns.
Option #2: Sign Obi Toppin plus another high-quality role player
Obi Toppin will be a restricted free agent, so the Pacers could match any offer, but to me, he could be a cheaper alternative to Harris who might be a better fit. Toppin is younger, more athletic and better equipped to bolster the Pistons' potential strengths, which will be defending, getting out in transition and playing fast.
He's a better 3-point shooter than Harris, plays faster and could potentially cost far less in free agency even if the Pistons have to overpay to get him. Let's put it this way, would you rather have Tobias Harris or Obi Toppin and another good role player for the same cost? I am leaning towards the latter. Ideally they could sign Toppin and still address all of their other needs rather than spend almost all of their cap space on one player.
Option #3: Make a big trade
The Pistons will have to wait until draft day before they can trade their 2024 first-round pick, but they will have the cap space to alleviate a team of a big contract without sending much back.
They could package one of their young players with a pick or two and swing for the fences on a player like Lauri Markkanen or Mikal Bridges, though both are likely pipe dreams.
The Pistons will likely choose one of these three routes. To me, option two makes the most sense, as they are counting on internal improvement to make a leap as much as additions and their young core is about to get way more expensive, making an investment in a guy like Tobias Harris a big risk.