Free Agency

[DetroitDon15]

If you can get a good above average starter who plays both sides of the ball that's just entering their prime and all it costs you is $42 million in cap space and you're coming off a 14 win season you should probably do it.

Or you could give Tobias Harris $32 million per for three years and re-up James Wiseman for $10 million.

C, none of the above. I’m not sure the Pistons should overpay for a guy not worth the money.

[bstein14]

If you can get a good above average starter who plays both sides of the ball that's just entering their prime and all it costs you is $42 million in cap space and you're coming off a 14 win season you should probably do it.

Or you could give Tobias Harris $32 million per for three years and re-up James Wiseman for $10 million.

C, none of the above. I’m not sure the Pistons should overpay for a guy not worth the money.

That's what people said about Jalen Brunson too... we had the cap space we could have paid him $120+ million max if we wanted to and it would have changed everything.

Eventually you have to make a move to get better. You can't just keep kicking the can from DeAndre Jordan to Kemba to Harris and rack up 2nd rounders for doing so.

Don't get me wrong, I'd rather take Monk + Tyus Jones for $44 million but part of me things some other lesser tier FAs are going to be signing for $25-$30 million per year as well as their agents know the cap is going to be exploding soon in reality this is the last year before the cap starts to really climb. Locking players into contracts now for four years is a good move as long as they aren't 30+.

[7r5ur]

The longer I go, I think trading Duren and shifting Stew to starting 5 and making Ausar the primary rim runner solves a lot of issues for now.

Stew’s undersized but let’s be real he still defends a lot better than Duren and is more switchable. His lack of off-the-dribble skill is nowhere near as bad at the 5 as it is at the 4, and that 38% from three is actually a real plus there and would make a huge difference with the spacing.

If by some miracle we could land OG in free agency and trade Duren and #5 for Ingram (or another wing) and #21 as mocked on the Athletic and draft whoever falls of the stretch 4 or 5’s (Tyler Smith, Daron Holmes, Filipowski, Da Silva, etc.). Even better if it were Ivey, Duren, and 5 for Mikal Bridges (but probably unrealistic). Mikal, Ausar, OG, and Stew as starting 2-3-4-5 would nasty even if it’s just a dream haha

Cade / Ivey / Sasser
Ausar / Grimes
Ingram or other trade target/ Fontecchio
OG / #21
Stewart / FA?

Basically everyone in that starting lineup is 6’6” to 6’8” and switchable. Ausar, OG, and Stew are legit plus defenders. Only 1 non-shooter. (If only Cade, OG, and Ingram could play more than 50% of games)

Just need some size off the bench and/or in the draft. Probably couldn’t afford much after these moves. Maybe a Drummond reunion as backup C

In the long run you hope to land a true starting 5 that can protect the rim, shoot, and rim run and bring stew off the bench.

[bstein14]

Trade Ivey for Jerami Grant -$22
Sign OG to a MAX contract -$42
Draft Reed Sheppard or Donovan Clingan at #5 (one will be there)
Resign Font
Use the "Room exception" on Naji Marshall on a 2 year $17 million type deal
C Duren(24) / Stew(24)
F Grant(32) / Ausar(16)
F Font(28) / Naji (20)
G OG(32) / Sheppard (16)
G Cade(33) / Sasser(15)

That's a much much better lineup than we put out there last year with guys in Grant, Font(full year), OG and Sheppard who can all shoot the ball and with more two way players as well.

If its Clingan at #5 simply shift Stew to PF and Grant to SF with Font off the bench.

This is really what we need to do... Draft Sheppard or Clingan and bring in two good two way starters that can shoot (like OG/Grant/etc)

[7r5ur]

Trade Ivey for Jerami Grant -$22
Sign OG to a MAX contract -$42
Draft Reed Sheppard or Donovan Clingan at #5 (one will be there)
Resign Font
Use the "Room exception" on Naji Marshall on a 2 year $17 million type deal
C Duren(24) / Stew(24)
F Grant(32) / Ausar(16)
F Font(28) / Naji (20)
G OG(32) / Sheppard (16)
G Cade(33) / Sasser(15)

That's a much much better lineup than we put out there last year with guys in Grant, Font(full year), OG and Sheppard who can all shoot the ball and with more two way players as well.

If its Clingan at #5 simply shift Stew to PF and Grant to SF with Font off the bench.

This is really what we need to do... Draft Sheppard or Clingan and bring in two good two way starters that can shoot (like OG/Grant/etc)

I’d even prefer this deal for Grant (keeping #5) over the Ingram deals but I feel like Ivey is a weird fit with Scoot and Simons who are tiny and Sharpe who is Ivey’s size (fairly small). Even if they get rid of Simons that’s a logjam of small guards.

[bstein14]

Trade Ivey for Jerami Grant -$22
Sign OG to a MAX contract -$42
Draft Reed Sheppard or Donovan Clingan at #5 (one will be there)
Resign Font
Use the "Room exception" on Naji Marshall on a 2 year $17 million type deal
C Duren(24) / Stew(24)
F Grant(32) / Ausar(16)
F Font(28) / Naji (20)
G OG(32) / Sheppard (16)
G Cade(33) / Sasser(15)

That's a much much better lineup than we put out there last year with guys in Grant, Font(full year), OG and Sheppard who can all shoot the ball and with more two way players as well.

If its Clingan at #5 simply shift Stew to PF and Grant to SF with Font off the bench.

This is really what we need to do... Draft Sheppard or Clingan and bring in two good two way starters that can shoot (like OG/Grant/etc)

I’d even prefer this over Ingram but I feel like Ivey is a weird fit with Scoot and Simons who are tiny and Sharpe who is Ivey’s size (fairly small). Even if they get rid of Simons that’s a logjam of small guards.

Hard to say who they'd want... perhaps they don't really want to trade him at all. There are other possible options as well. This is just one possible scenario I know most here don't like the Bridges scenario.

It's also possible we could instead of trading for Grant, keep Stew at PF and get a good backup C like Jonas V who can defend and in 24 MPG put up 14 and 10 which is perfect for someone splitting time with Duren. He can shoot too he isn't strictly an interior player.

It's very much not just an OG and nothing scenario its an OG and something scenario if he'd even play for us at $42 million. Its OG + Monk or OG + Tyus Jones or OG + Valanciunas or OG + Trade, etc... We've got to add two good starters to the mix and our pick or trade the pick and add three good starters to the mix.

[Canadafan]

https://www.si.com/nba/pistons/news/mock-trade-shows-detroit-pistons-potential-path-to-utah-jazz-star-01hygh9dxkdg

What would a potential trade to land Lauri Markkanen on the Detroit Pistons look like?

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5466901/2024/05/03/pistons-trade-scenarios-lauri-markkanen-brandon-ingram-nba/

Detroit Pistons trade proposals: What would it take to get Markkanen? Is Ingram a possibility?

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/pistons-floated-potential-surprise-landing-214741600.html

Pistons floated as potential ‘surprise landing spot’ for DeMar DeRozan

[Canadafan]

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2024/05/pistons-notes-langdon-weaver-draft-fontecchio.html

the Pistons were 28th in turnovers per game and assist-to-turnover ratio

Tyus Jones please

Tyus stats;
12pt 7.5assists 1TO 41.5%3pts 30MPG with only 16%usage rate

[bstein14]

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2024/05/pistons-notes-langdon-weaver-draft-fontecchio.html

the Pistons were 28th in turnovers per game and assist-to-turnover ratio

Tyus Jones please

Tyus stats;
12pt 7.5assists 1TO 41.5%3pts 30MPG with only 16%usage rate

I'd be on board with Tyus Jones as well... Start him next to Cade and let him share ball handling duties with Cade. 4 years $80 million would be a great pickup on Tyus.... though I would be hesitant if he commands closer to the 4 years $100 million range.

[7r5ur]

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2024/05/pistons-notes-langdon-weaver-draft-fontecchio.html

the Pistons were 28th in turnovers per game and assist-to-turnover ratio

Tyus Jones please

Tyus stats;
12pt 7.5assists 1TO 41.5%3pts 30MPG with only 16%usage rate

I'd be on board with Tyus Jones as well... Start him next to Cade and let him share ball handling duties with Cade. 4 years $80 million would be a great pickup on Tyus.... though I would be hesitant if he commands closer to the 4 years $100 million range.

I still feel like if we swap out Ivey we need to put in someone who plays defense. Cade and Ivey not being able to defend a pylon is just as big a flaw as turnovers and probably even more-so than 3pt shooting IMO. Tyus doesn't help with that, in fact he might make it worse because he's more undersized, which forces Cade to defend most of the tougher matchups.

Certainly he would improve this team, but I'm not sure I'm ready to commit big money/years if he's a bad fit in the long run. On a contract that preserves his trade value, I'd be happy to bring him in though. Not sure what that number is TBH. Definitely under $20M/year. Mike Conley is set to make about $10M per year the next 2 years for comparison.

[Canadafan]

https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2024/05/pistons-notes-langdon-weaver-draft-fontecchio.html

the Pistons were 28th in turnovers per game and assist-to-turnover ratio

Tyus Jones please

Tyus stats;
12pt 7.5assists 1TO 41.5%3pts 30MPG with only 16%usage rate

I'd be on board with Tyus Jones as well... Start him next to Cade and let him share ball handling duties with Cade. 4 years $80 million would be a great pickup on Tyus.... though I would be hesitant if he commands closer to the 4 years $100 million range.

I still feel like if we swap out Ivey we need to put in someone who plays defense. Cade and Ivey not being able to defend a pylon is just as big a flaw as turnovers and probably even more-so than 3pt shooting IMO. Tyus doesn't help with that, in fact he might make it worse because he's more undersized, which forces Cade to defend most of the tougher matchups.

Certainly he would improve this team, but I'm not sure I'm ready to commit big money/years if he's a bad fit in the long run. On a contract that preserves his trade value, I'd be happy to bring him in though. Not sure what that number is TBH. Definitely under $20M/year. Mike Conley is set to make about $10M per year the next 2 years for comparison.

True that he isn't a good defensive player. Would luv to get another elite perimeter defender to pair and start with Ausar. Those 2 would wreak havoc on opposing teams and free up Cade to rest on D and focus all his attention on Offense.
Tyus would be the ideal 3rd guard in this situation.
So....who oh who is this mystery elite perimeter defender that we need and can get

[Kalamazoo317]

A lot of those turnovers were due to having to force it on offense due to having no space to play in and no one who could create their own shot other than Cade. Of the just dumb turnovers, Ivey and Duren were probably the two biggest offenders. Ivey from trying to make passes that weren't there or for his brain not keeping up with the speed of his feet, and Duren for trying to put it on the floor and dribble too much. Those two, Cade, and Bojan were the only players on the team averaging more than 2 turnovers a game. Bojan is gone, Cade had 7.5 assists to go with his 3.4 turnovers, and hopefully will improve as he grows. Ivey I think should be replaced with a guard who compliments Cade's game better. Duren just needs to not have the greenlight to try to do so much with the ball.

[Kalamazoo317]

To be clear, I don't think a small point guard is the right player to play with Cade. We need a knockdown movement shooter who can play defense there.

[theBigLip]

To be clear, I don't think a small point guard is the right player to play with Cade. We need a knockdown movement shooter who can play defense there.

As much as I want to let our young guys to develop, if we could get a solid 2 way SG for Ivey, I think we should do it. Herro, yes. LaVine, no. And I know Herro isn’t a great defender, but probably better than most on our team.

[bstein14]

Jaden Ivey + Future 2nd Rounder for Marcus Smart


Marcus Smart would be an interesting trade target. A veteran PG who could help be a culture changer for us, who went to the same college as Cade and who was recently DPOY. He's got $20.2 million owed to him this year and $21.5 million next year and he's 30 years old. He's list as 6'3" With Ja Morant coming back and D Rose also having been decent for them last season as well as a shorter Max contract Bane at 6'5" shooting guard it seems like Smart may be someone they'd consider moving on from. He only played 20 games for them last year due to injury.

On our end, we know that the Grizzles tried to trade for Jaden Ivey on draft day and he also has ties to Ja and the organization as his mom was an assistant coach for them. That said, Memphis is likely at a point where they may now prefer the more "win now" player in Smart.

If they Grizzlies end up keeping Luke Kennard (they have a team option) they are already in the luxury tax before adding any FAs. A trade like this saves them $13 million in luxury tax room which could end up saving them much more depending on their other moves.

[LaSheed]

Jaden Ivey + Future 2nd Rounder for Marcus Smart


Marcus Smart would be an interesting trade target. A veteran PG who could help be a culture changer for us, who went to the same college as Cade and who was recently DPOY. He's got $20.2 million owed to him this year and $21.5 million next year and he's 30 years old. He's list as 6'3" With Ja Morant coming back and D Rose also having been decent for them last season as well as a shorter Max contract Bane at 6'5" shooting guard it seems like Smart may be someone they'd consider moving on from. He only played 20 games for them last year due to injury.

On our end, we know that the Grizzles tried to trade for Jaden Ivey on draft day and he also has ties to Ja and the organization as his mom was an assistant coach for them. That said, Memphis is likely at a point where they may now prefer the more "win now" player in Smart.

If they Grizzlies end up keeping Luke Kennard (they have a team option) they are already in the luxury tax before adding any FAs. A trade like this saves them $13 million in luxury tax room which could end up saving them much more depending on their other moves.

I mean i would but doubt Griz do it.

Ha I was listening to a Mock draft last week and I don't remember who it was but they had us trading the #5 for #9 & Luke Kennard lol

[LaSheed]

A lot of those turnovers were due to having to force it on offense due to having no space to play in and no one who could create their own shot other than Cade. Of the just dumb turnovers, Ivey and Duren were probably the two biggest offenders. Ivey from trying to make passes that weren't there or for his brain not keeping up with the speed of his feet, and Duren for trying to put it on the floor and dribble too much. Those two, Cade, and Bojan were the only players on the team averaging more than 2 turnovers a game. Bojan is gone, Cade had 7.5 assists to go with his 3.4 turnovers, and hopefully will improve as he grows. Ivey I think should be replaced with a guard who compliments Cade's game better. Duren just needs to not have the greenlight to try to do so much with the ball.

I wanted to rip the hair out of my head watching Duren put the ball on the floor.

[pistons4ever]

Malcolm brogdon would be the ideal nononsens guard along cade....strong, plays defense,career 39-40 % 3pt shooting....even a trio of malcolm, sheppard and cade would be playable

A veteran presence that could change everyting

[Canadafan]

Malcolm brogdon would be the ideal nononsens guard along cade....strong, plays defense,career 39-40 % 3pt shooting....even a trio of malcolm, sheppard and cade would be playable

A veteran presence that could change everyting

Love that. Been obsessing over him and Jerami coming to us. Fixing our 2 glaring needs. Send them Ivey and our #5 and save them over$40million on their capsheet. And we'd still have a good chunk to sign a shooter or 2.

[bstein14]

Malcolm brogdon would be the ideal nononsens guard along cade....strong, plays defense,career 39-40 % 3pt shooting....even a trio of malcolm, sheppard and cade would be playable

A veteran presence that could change everyting

Love that. Been obsessing over him and Jerami coming to us. Fixing our 2 glaring needs. Send them Ivey and our #5 and save them over$40million on their capsheet. And we'd still have a good chunk to sign a shooter or 2.

The biggest reason the Blazers are likely going to trade away one of their vets... they are just $4 million away from the luxury tax and just the #7 pick they own in the draft will put them over the luxury tax level before they even think about signing a FA this summer.

No one is going to want Ayton so its really at least one of Grant, Robert Williams or Malcom Brogdon that are going to be on the move.

I even think its entirely possible that we traded back from #5 down to #7 and get Grant back for doing so and that really solves all of Portlands money issues this summer.

They Blazers are also currently in a trust and will eventually be put up for sale its doubtful they want luxury tax on their books with a young rebuilding team about to be sold.