| Detroit Free Press
Detroit Pistons GM Troy Weaver: We wanted to ‘attack the NBA draft’
Detroit Pistons GM Troy Weaver speaks after the NBA draft about his aggressive mindset, Killian Hayes and the team’s huge draft haul, Nov. 18, 2020.
After an active week of trades, the Detroit Pistons have roughly $9.5 million available in cap space. It’s a significant decrease from their original number of $30 million, but that number could increase, as the organization will continue to make moves that could better position them to be a player in free agency.
Detroit has at least one free agent, Christian Wood, that they’ll look to retain for the right price. They’re also expected to target veterans, bringing experience to a roster that now has four rookies after Wednesday’s NBA draft.
Here are seven players the Pistons could look to acquire in free agency, when the negotiation window opens Friday at 6 p.m.
OMARI: Grading Pistons’ 2020 NBA draft haul: Two A’s and a whole lot of hope
SHAWN WINDSOR: Pistons’ stunning draft haul revealed something huge about their future
Christian Wood, PF/C, 25 years old, Pistons
2019-20 stats: 13.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, 21.4 minutes per game, 38.6% from 3
Wood needs no introduction for Pistons fans, so here’s a quick one: He thrived after Detroit moved Andre Drummond at the trade deadline, averaging 21.9 points and 9.4 rebounds in 12 games as a starter. He’s going to get paid by somebody.
[ Why Christian Wood’s breakout shouldn’t be stopped by coronavirus ]
De’Anthony Melton, G, 22 years old, Memphis Grizzlies
2019-20 stats: 8.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, three assists, 41.9% overall, 31.6% from 3
Melton, a restricted free agent, is one of the league’s better defenders and plays bigger than his size, thanks to his 6-8 wingspan. His block (0.8%) and steal (2.5%) percentages are elite for a guard, and he’s a strong rebounder. He’s a better shooter than his percentage would suggest. The Pistons may not be able to afford Melton and Wood, but it’s worth trying.
Kris Dunn, G, 26 years old, Chicago Bulls
2019-20 stats: 7.3 points, 3.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 24.9 minutes per game
The Bulls declined to extend a qualifying offer to Dunn, making the fifth pick of the 2016 draft an unrestricted free agent. Dunn is one of the best defensive players in the NBA, but he’s not a great offensive player. For the right price, he could be a good fit for Detroit.
Shaquille Harrison, G, 27 years old, Chicago Bulls
2019-20 stats: 4.9 points, 1.1 assists, 38.1% from 3
Like Dunn, Chicago reportedly declined to extend a qualifying offer to Harrison earlier this week. He isn’t a known commodity to casual NBA fans, but he’s bigger than Dunn, nearly as effective as a defender, and shot the ball better last season.
[ Why Pistons chose Killian Hayes to lead rebuild in new era ]
Harry Giles, C, 22 years old, Sacramento Kings
2019-20 stats: 6.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 55.4% overall.
The Pistons have addressed the center position through the draft and trades, but once we’re on the other side of free agency, they could still use help at the position. Knee injuries have prevented Giles from reaching his potential, but he’s an above-average passer for his size and is still young. Worth a flyer depending on his value in free agency.
DJ Augustin, G, 33 years old, Orlando Magic
2019-20 stats: 10.5 points, 4.6 assists, 34.8% from 3.
Fans are already acquainted with Augustin, who was a backup for the Pistons during the 2014-15 season and briefly thrived as a starter after Brandon Jennings’ Achilles injury. Not long after, the Pistons traded him for Reggie Jackson. Detroit could use a veteran point guard, as Derrick Rose is entering the final year of his contract.
[ Pistons GM Troy Weaver’s approach in draft, free agency: ‘Attack everything’ ]
Isaiah Thomas, G, 31 years old, Washington Wizards
2019-20 stats: 12.2 points, 3.7 assists, 40.3% from 3.
The two-time All Star hasn’t been the same player after injuring his hip during the 2017 playoffs. He recently had surgery that gave him his full range of motion back, and he’s mounting a comeback campaign after a few down seasons. It doesn’t hurt that he was named after Pistons great Isiah Thomas.
Contact Omari Sankofa II at osankofa@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @omarisankofa. Read more on the Detroit Pistons and sign up for our Pistons newsletter.