Appearing on the HoopsHype podcast with Michael Scotto, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic said the Pistons will likely explore the viability of pursuing Miles Bridges or Tobias Harris in free agency, though he conceded that could change depending who they hire to be the new president of basketball operations.
While he doesn’t expect Detroit to give anyone a long-term, maximum-salary deal, Edwards suggested a short-term deal with a higher annual salary could be an option if the team pursues Bridges or Harris. Edwards also thinks the Pistons will undergo a “significant roster overhaul” this offseason through a combination of trades and free agent signings, with Malik Monk another impending free agent to potentially keep an eye on.
Scotto said the Nets want to keep Nic Claxton on a long-term contract, and Brian Lewis of The New York Post recently told Scotto he believes there’s better than a 50/50 chance the center will remain with Brooklyn. However, Edwards thinks Claxton would fill a major need for Detroit as a rim protector, even though it might push Jalen Duren to a reserve role.
Edwards previously listed five ideas for the new head of basketball operations, and Scotto believes Bucks GM Jon Horst, a Michigan native, is the main name to keep an eye on.
As for the futures of GM Troy Weaver and head coach Monty Williams, Edwards said he wouldn’t be surprised if neither is back next season, particularly Weaver. Despite being on a lucrative long-term deal, Edwards placed the odds at 60/40 that Williams would not be Detroit’s head coach in 2024/25.
Here’s more on the Pistons:
- Edwards of The Athletic predicts that, of the veteran free agents Detroit has this offseason, only Simone Fontecchio will be retained. Edwards is convinced of that happening, putting the odds at 100%. He also thinks Fontecchio will receive a four-year deal worth in the range of $56-68MM as a restricted free agent. The Italian forward has said he expects to be back next season.
- In a mailbag for The Detroit Free Press (subscription required), Omari Sankofa II discusses the Pistons’ basketball operations hierarchy, among other topics. The objective of hiring a president of basketball operations, according to Sankofa’s sources, is to “unify a front office that has clearly hit a significant stump, to say the least, in its ongoing remake of the team.” That person would have full autonomy over who gets hired and fired, Sankofa adds.
- If the Pistons decide to keep their first-round pick, who should they target? If it lands No. 1 overall, Edwards of The Athletic would select French big man Alexandre Sarr, who played for the Perth Wildcats of the NBL this season. However, if it were up to him, Edwards says he’d trade the pick. After finishing with the worst record in the NBA for the second straight season, Detroit has a 14% chance of landing the top selection and can do no worse than No. 5 overall.
I dont get all the talk of trading Duren or making him a reserve. He’s 20 years old and a double double machine in an offense that uses him as a 4th option most nights. If anything, dump Stewart. Giving up on Duren reeks of the Van Gundy Era where guys were let go way too early and developed in other places only for the Pistons to later chase the same type of players that they gave up on.
he puts in 0 effort on defense. you wouldn’t support pushing him to the bench to force him to actually work?
Yes, Pistons should trade the pick for Trae Young or Zion.
Lol, silly bot, comments are for people!
Weakest draft class in years, no clear cut #1. The first overall pick will never be worth less, and you aren’t getting either of those guys without significantly more going back.
I don’t see how Det spends 50 mill {responsibly} in this free agent market
I think they should stick their noses into any team trying to shed aprons for talent rather than the free agent market. Should be interesting to see the final product once the monies spent
You mean the last time they had cap space doesn’t give you confidence about this year? Lol Villanueva and Gordon!
Moreso the market, its gruesome on the full MLE market, cap is even worse and less forgiving
Tobias, Trent Jr, and JV on multi years likely outcome range , No thanks…lotta traps to step on..as scary as it sounds Id rather just take Kat for Stewart at that rate from TWolves