The Detroit Pistons are one of the few teams that are projected to have cap space to spend this offseason in the NBA. They have been near the bottom of the standings for the last few seasons, but they have the assets to take a big step forward next season depending on how things go this offseason.
The Pistons have a strong young core headlined by Cade Cunningham, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He joined 2020 first-round picks Killian Hayes, Saddiq Bey, and Isaiah Stewart. Another lottery pick is on the way this season and there is a chance that Jerami Grant is moved as well, bringing back even more assets to round out the roster with.
There has been some talk about the Pistons going after a center this offseason. Deandre Ayton, who is a restricted free agent after not coming to a rookie extension agreement with the Phoenix Suns, could top their wish list. But, the Suns will have the opportunity to match any contract sheet that Ayton signs.
Restricted free agency will complicate things for teams because they do not want to be left in limbo for a few days waiting to see what will happen. That could mean Detroit puts its attention elsewhere. Dallas Mavericks point guard Jalen Brunson could be where they focus their efforts.
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Brunson is looking to cash in this offseason as an unrestricted free agent. The Mavericks want to keep him and can offer him a fifth year because they hold his Bird Rights. That means other teams can only offer him four years, but he may prefer that so he can jump back into free agency heading into his age-30 season.
Detroit would be an interesting landing spot for Brunson as he would bring a lot to the table that the team needs in their backcourt. They have visions of Brunson joining Cunningham and providing a similar dynamic to which he has with the Mavericks and Luka Doncic.
“The Pistons, according to league sources, see how well Brunson fits with Doncic and envision him similarly enhancing Cade Cunningham, the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft who is also a big-bodied scorer and playmaker.”
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Brunson has thrived playing alongside Doncic and filling in for him, so that is a situation that could certainly work for him alongside Cunningham. With $25.5 million in cap space, the Detroit Pistons can offer Brunson the high end of what he is projected to earn this offseason.
