Hoops Rumors is providing an update on the 2024 offseason involving all 30 NBA teams, summarizing the summer’s free agent signings, trades, draft picks, and departures. We will evaluate each team’s offseason activities and consider potential future moves ahead of the regular season. Today, our focus is on the Detroit Pistons.
Free Agent Signings
Trades
- Acquired Tim Hardaway Jr., the Raptors’ 2025 second-round pick, the Heat’s 2028 second-round pick, and either the Clippers’ or Hornets’ 2028 second-round pick (whichever is less favorable) from the Mavericks in exchange for Quentin Grimes.
- Received Wendell Moore and the draft rights to Bobi Klintman (No. 37 pick) from the Timberwolves as part of a four-team trade, sending the draft rights to Cam Spencer (No. 53 pick; sent to Grizzlies) in return.
Draft Picks
- 1-5: Ron Holland
- Signed to a rookie scale contract (four years, $37,463,383).
- 2-37: Bobi Klintman
- Signed a four-year, $7,995,796 contract, with the first two years guaranteed. The third year is non-guaranteed, and the fourth year includes a non-guaranteed team option.
Two-Way Signings
Departed/Unsigned Free Agents
Other Moves
- Signed Cade Cunningham to a five-year, maximum-salary rookie scale extension that commences in 2025/26, with an estimated value of $224,238,150 (starting at 25% of the cap). This projected value may increase to $269,085,780 (30% of the cap) if Cunningham meets the Rose Rule performance criteria.
- Claimed Paul Reed off waivers.
- Waived Troy Brown.
- Waived Buddy Boeheim (two-way).
Salary Cap Situation
- Operating under the cap ($140.6MM) and above the minimum salary floor ($126.5MM).
- Approximately $130.3MM in salary is being carried.
- No hard cap is in place.
- The full room exception ($8MM) is available.
The Offseason So Far
Having won no more than 23 games for four consecutive seasons, the Pistons entered the 2023/24 campaign with hopes of making progress under the new head coach Monty Williams. Unfortunately, the team faced one of the most challenging seasons in NBA history, ending with a franchise-worst 14-68 record while matching a league record for 28 consecutive losses.
In response to this poor performance, the Pistons decided to replace general manager Troy Weaver with new head of basketball operations Trajan Langdon, a former player and seasoned executive who has experience in New Orleans and Brooklyn. Langdon aims for improved results on the court compared to last season; however, he doesn’t feel the urgency to win immediately during his inaugural year, allowing him to adopt a balanced offseason strategy that includes both immediate and future-focused moves.
During free agency, the Pistons sought to bolster veteran leadership while enhancing their outside shooting after finishing among the NBA’s bottom five in both three-pointers made and three-point percentage last season. There was initial surprise when it was announced that Tobias Harris had signed a two-year, $52MM contract with Detroit, but Harris represents the type of scorer and shooter the team desperately needed.
The Pistons re-signed Simone Fontecchio to a two-year deal worth $16 million and also signed Malik Beasley for one year at $6 million, supplying the team with two dependable shooters on manageable contracts.
While Harris, Fontecchio, and Beasley won’t transform Detroit into a playoff contender, they will create more space on the floor for franchise player Cade Cunningham to make plays. After an injury-plagued 2022/23 season, Cunningham bounced back from a left leg injury, achieving career bests in points per game (22.7), assists per game (7.5), field goal percentage (.449), and three-point percentage (.355).
Now heading into his age-23 season, the former No. 1 overall pick will be playing alongside teammates more suited to his strengths. It is reasonable to anticipate further development in his game for the 2024/25 season. The Pistons are optimistic about his ongoing improvement, particularly after signing him to a five-year maximum salary rookie scale extension in July. This contract, which will start in the 2025/26 season, is projected to be worth around $224 million, potentially rising to $269 million if Cunningham achieves All-NBA status next spring.
While the acquisitions of Harris and Beasley should enhance the Pistons’ competitiveness in the near term, some of Langdon’s other decisions this summer appear focused on the long term. The team secured three future second-round picks and moved up 16 spots in this year’s second round by trading Quentin Grimes to acquire Tim Hardaway Jr. from Dallas and Wendell Moore from Minnesota as part of salary-clearing moves.
It remains uncertain whether any of these four second-round picks (including this year’s No. 37 overall pick, Bobi Klintman) will produce a better NBA player than Grimes. Nonetheless, Langdon and his new front office appeared unconvinced enough by Grimes to invest in his next contract (he is eligible for a rookie scale extension this offseason). Although Hardaway was essentially a salary dump from the Mavericks’ viewpoint, he is expected to contribute to the Pistons’ rotation in 2024/25, having made 37.5% of his three-point attempts over the past five seasons.
The Pistons’ lottery selection, No. 5 overall pick Ron Holland, represents another long-term commitment for the franchise. Having just turned 19 last month, Holland has certain aspects of his game that need refinement to secure a consistent role as a rookie. Leading up to June’s draft, numerous mock drafts had Holland projected outside the top 10, but Langdon chose to take a chance on the young forward’s potential after a mixed season with the G League Ignite.
Although selecting Holland might not have been expected, it could lead to impactful results for the Pistons in the future.
The most unexpected decision made in Detroit this summer occurred when the Pistons dismissed head coach Dwane Casey just a year after he had signed what was, at the time, a record-breaking contract for an NBA coach. With more than $60 million remaining on his six-year deal, this early termination is quite unusual for NBA teams.
This move speaks volumes about club owner Tom Gores, who was willing to invest that amount of money and allow general manager Troy Weaver to bring in his choice of coach. The Pistons welcomed former Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who has previously demonstrated his ability to develop young teams into regular contenders for the playoffs while in Cleveland.
Looking Ahead
Currently, the Pistons stand as the only NBA team with available cap space, boasting just over $10 million.
In theory, with one spot still vacant on their projected 15-man roster, this financial flexibility could be used to target a free agent. However, Isaac Okoro, a restricted free agent from the Cavs, remains the only unsigned player likely to command a salary notably above the veteran’s minimum, and there are no signs that Detroit is interested in pursuing him.
The Pistons do not feel pressured to utilize their cap space immediately and will likely take a measured approach, keeping an eye out for opportunities where this flexibility could prove advantageous. This might include facilitating a salary dump to acquire additional draft assets, akin to their previous dealings with players like Hardaway and Moore. Alternatively, they could claim a player off waivers, similar to what they did last month with big man Paul Reed. If favorable situations do not emerge this fall, Detroit may opt to carry that cap space through the season for midseason transactions.
Besides the open spot on their 15-man roster, the Pistons also have one two-way slot available.
Regarding contract extensions, Hardaway is the solitary player eligible for a new deal now that Cunningham has secured his extension. It seems unlikely that extending the veteran wing will be a preseason priority for Detroit; if he performs favorably during the season, the team could always investigate the possibility of an extension for Hardaway up until June 30.
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Detroit Pistons Offseason Review: Changes and Challenges Ahead for 2024
Overview of the 2023-2024 Offseason
The Detroit Pistons enter the 2024 season with a renewed sense of purpose. Following a tumultuous 2022-2023 campaign, the organization has made significant moves to reshape its roster and reclaim its position in the Eastern Conference. This offseason review dives into the key changes, challenges, and expectations for the Pistons as they look to build a competitive team in 2024.
Key Departures
Understanding the changes within the Detroit Pistons starts with recognizing the players who have left the team. Departures can significantly impact team chemistry and performance, especially when longtime players exit.
- Jerami Grant: Traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, Grant’s absence leaves a notable gap in scoring and defensive versatility.
- Corey Joseph: A reliable veteran presence, Joseph was waived, creating more opportunities for younger guards.
- Kelly Olynyk: The big man was part of a trade deal aimed at generating more cap space and future assets.
Key Additions
To counterbalance the losses, the Pistons have made several strategic acquisitions designed to enhance their roster.
- Draft Picks: The Pistons selected Victor Wembanyama with the first overall pick, adding a generational talent to their lineup. His unique skill set brings both offensive and defensive capabilities that are expected to revolutionize the team’s dynamics.
- Free Agency Signings:
- Fred VanVleet: The former Raptor brings playoff experience and leadership to a young squad.
- Jae Crowder: Known for his toughness and defensive skills, Crowder is expected to help strengthen the Pistons’ perimeter defense.
2024 Roster Analysis
The reshaped roster presents both opportunities and challenges for the Pistons. Below is a breakdown of key players to watch in the upcoming season:
| Player | Position | 2023 Stats (PPG/RPG/APG) |
|---|---|---|
| Victor Wembanyama | Center | 20.0 / 8.0 / 2.5 |
| Fred VanVleet | Guard | 19.6 / 4.2 / 6.8 |
| Jaden Ivey | Guard | 15.5 / 4.2 / 3.9 |
| Jae Crowder | Forward | 10.5 / 5.5 / 1.6 |
Coaching Changes
The Pistons also underwent a coaching change, bringing in Quinn Snyder as the head coach. Snyder’s track record of developing young talent and implementing a modern offensive system is expected to significantly impact the Pistons’ gameplay. His experience with the Utah Jazz equips him with valuable insights on player development and team dynamics.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the excitement surrounding the new roster and coaching staff, the Pistons face several challenges as they head into the 2024 season:
- Integrating New Players: Building chemistry with new signings like VanVleet and Crowder will be crucial. The success of the team will depend on how quickly these players can adapt to Snyder’s system.
- Player Development: The growth of younger players such as Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham remains a priority. Their ability to take the next step in their development is critical for the team’s success.
- Injury Management: Injuries have plagued the Pistons in recent seasons. Keeping key players healthy will be a significant factor in their performance.
Benefits of the New Roster Construction
The additions and changes made during the offseason present several benefits for the Detroit Pistons:
- Increased Scoring Options: With the infusion of talent from the draft and free agency, the Pistons have more offensive weapons, allowing for a diversified scoring approach.
- Defensive Versatility: Players like Crowder and Wembanyama provide defensive flexibility, enabling the Pistons to match up effectively against various opponents.
- Leadership Experience: The experience brought in by veterans like VanVleet will be invaluable for mentoring the younger players and navigating high-pressure situations.
Practical Tips for Engaging with the Pistons this Season
Fans and analysts alike can enhance their experience following the Pistons this season by considering the following tips:
- Stay Updated: Follow official team announcements and social media channels for the latest updates on player performances and coaching strategies.
- Attend Games: Experiencing games in person can provide invaluable insights into team dynamics and atmosphere, fostering a deeper connection with the Pistons.
- Engage with Fan Communities: Participating in online forums and social media groups can provide different perspectives and enhance your understanding of the team’s journey.
Expectations for the 2024 Season
As the Detroit Pistons prepare for the 2024 season, expectations are a mix of hope and realism. With a talented roster and a new coaching philosophy, fans can anticipate a competitive season. While playoff aspirations may be on the horizon, the focus will also be on player development and establishing a winning culture.
Summary of Changes and Future Outlook
the Detroit Pistons have taken significant steps to reshape their roster, bringing in new talent and leadership while parting ways with key veterans. The upcoming season promises to be pivotal for the franchise’s future, as they strive to overcome challenges and build a competitive team.
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