Detroit Pistons pick up Hamidou Diallo’s team option just before NBA free agency

Detroit Free Press

The Detroit Pistons made a flurry of transactions on Tuesday with their own players just before free agency begins on Thursday.

The Pistons have picked up Hamidou Diallo’s ($5.2 million) team option, and have declined team options on Frank Jackson ($3.2 million), Carsen Edwards ($1.8 million) and Luka Garza ($1.6 million), according to a league source.

OMARI SANKOFA II: Why Pistons are unlikely to make big splash in free agency

Then later Tuesday, the Pistons traded with the Knicks, acquiring center Nerlens Noel and guard Alec Burks along with two second-round picks and cash. The team also extended the qualifying offer for forward/center Marvin Bagley III, making him a restricted free agent.

After putting together arguably the best season of his career, Diallo has been given an opportunity to build on it. He started a career-high 29 games last year and averaged 11.0. points and 4.8 rebounds. He was arguably the most athletic player on the roster and he thrived as an energy producer.

[ Why Larry Brown believes Jalen Duren is in a ‘perfect situation’ with Pistons ]

Jackson arrived in Detroit before the 2020-21 season on a two-way contract, and worked his way into the rotation by shooting 40.7% from 3. But he struggled with injuries last season,  missing 29 games, and his outside shooting slumped to 30.8%.

The 55th pick of the 2021 NBA draft, Garza appeared in 32 games and put together some memorable performances, including a 20-point, 14-rebound double-double to help lead the shorthanded Pistons over the San Antonio Spurs on New Year’s Day.

Edwards, the 33rd pick of the 2019 draft, signed a two-year contract with the Pistons on April 3 and appeared in four games.

Additionally, the Pistons will go into next season with Braxton Key, who they signed last season, and Buddy Boeheim on two-way contracts. Jamorko Pickett is no longer on a two-way contract.

Contact Omari Sankofa II at osankofa@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @omarisankofa. The Free Press has started a new digital subscription model. Here’s how you can gain access to our most exclusive Pistons content. Read more on the Detroit Pistons and sign up for our Pistons newsletter.

Articles You May Like

2024 NBA Draft Profile: Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht complements the Pistons offense
Final: Jaden Ivey and whatever’s left of the Pistons dismantled by the Knicks in NYC

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *