Going into this 2024 Pistons off-season preview, I am optimistic. But should I be considering the season they just had?
The Pistons’ off-season last year kicked off with a glimmer of hope, fueled by the high-profile hiring of Monty Williams. After a successful stint with the Phoenix Suns, Williams signed a promising six-year, $78 million contract. His track record, including a championship appearance 2021 and a Coach of the Year award in the 2021-22 season, raised the bar of expectations in Detroit. During the 2023 draft, the Pistons made strategic moves that significantly impacted their plans for the future. They selected Ausar Thompson as the 5th overall pick and engineered a trade for the 25th overall pick, Marcus Sasser. These decisions were a testament to the team’s proactive approach. In free agency, they secured Isaiah Stewart with a four-year contract worth $64 million, demonstrating their commitment to strengthening the team. The team also orchestrated trades for Joe Harris from the Brooklyn Nets and Monte Morris from the Washington Wizards, showing their determination to bolster the roster despite the season’s challenges. As we delve into the 2024 Pistons off-season preview, we will explore their potential plans with their cap space and draft assets to make impactful acquisitions and address key roster weaknesses.
2024 Off-Season Preview: What’s Next For The Detroit Pistons?
Pistons Season Recap
The Pistons’ season began with a promising 2-1 record, setting a positive tone. Ausar Thompson, in his rookie campaign, not only showcased his potential but also ignited excitement with his impressive averages of 6.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game. On a revenge tour, Cade Cunningham was a force to be reckoned with, averaging 22.3 points, 8.3 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game. However, despite these bright spots, the team faced some challenges that started to surface.
One notable concern was the decision to start Killian Hayes over Jaden Ivey. Hayes, the 7th overall pick in the 2020 draft, struggled significantly with his shooting. He shot 32% from the three and 68% from the free-throw line as a starter. Monty Williams, however, entrusted him with the starting role due to his defensive capabilities and his ability NOT to turn the ball over.
The Pistons then faced a daunting challenge, enduring a historic losing streak, dropping 28 consecutive games—a new NBA record. Their average margin of defeat during this stretch was 13.5 points. The team also became the thirteenth in NBA history to endure a winless month, going 0-15 in November. Despite a promising start from Marvin Bagley III, the Pistons traded him, along with Isaiah Livers and two second-round picks, to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala. This was the first trade of a significant sale of assets for the Pistons this season.
The roster reconstruction continued with several more trades: Kevin Knox was traded for Simone Fontecchio, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Alec Burks were exchanged for Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, Malachi Flynn, and Ryan Arcidiacono, and Monte Morris was traded for Troy Brown Jr. and Shake Milton. Ultimately, the Pistons couldn’t find their stride, managing only three two-game winning streaks and enduring four losing streaks of five or more games. On May 23, 2024, the Pistons announced Pelicans general manager Trajan Langdon as its president of basketball operations. Yesterday, Shams Charania reported that the team parted ways with GM Troy Weaver.
Projected Cap Space and Draft Picks
$60 Million in Cap Space
The Pistons will have a projected $60 million cap space heading into the off-season. A significant portion of this cap space could be allocated to Cade Cunningham, eligible for a rookie extension this summer. Additionally, the team must re-sign Simone Fontecchio to a new deal. Addressing the power forward position will also be a priority, as it remains a crucial area for improvement on the roster.
Pick #5 Considerations.
The Pistons are picking 5th for the third consecutive season. In 2022, they drafted Jaden Ivey, followed by Ausar Thompson in 2023. The critical question is whether the Pistons feel confident in the talent potentially available at this spot or if they would be better off trading the pick. A primary weakness for the Pistons has been their lack of shooting, an area where Dalton Knecht could make an immediate impact with his 39% three-point shooting. Here’s a breakdown of the primary targets:
Stephon Castle: Adding Castle would allow another guard to share point guard responsibilities with Cade Cunningham. Castle also has the tools to be a dynamic perimeter defender. However, his 26% three-point shooting won’t help improve the Pistons’ 26th-ranked three-point shooting.
Matas Buzelis: Buzelis offers the potential of a two-way player but also struggled with three-point shooting, hitting only 26%. His defensive abilities and overall skill set still make him an intriguing prospect.
Dalton Knecht: Known for his shooting prowess, Knecht’s 39% from beyond the arc could significantly boost the Pistons’ offense. His shooting would address the team’s primary weakness and provide spacing on the floor.
Cody Williams: Williams brings a 3-and-D potential similar to Jaden McDaniels. Although he needs to bulk up from his current 190 pounds to be a significant contributor early on, his defensive capabilities and slashing ability make him a valuable prospect.
In addition to the 5th overall pick, the Pistons also hold the 54th overall pick, giving them another opportunity to add depth to their roster.
Pending Free Agents & Possible Departures
Free Agents
- Simone Fontecchio (Restricted)
- James Wiseman (Unrestricted)
- Evan Fournier (Team Option)
- Malachi Flynn (Unrestricted)
- Troy Brown Jr. (Unrestricted)
It will be surprising to see any of these five free agents back except Fontecchio and maybe Flynn. Fontecchio is a restricted free agent with a low qualifying offer. James Wiseman’s qualifying offer was not extended, making this a prove-it year. Despite getting limited playing time early in the season, Wiseman showed potential once minutes started to open up.
Evan Fournier is under team control, and $13 million for a player who will likely sit could be a better investment. Malachi Flynn showcased some promise when he got to the Pistons, including his 50-point game against the Atlanta Hawks. He can be a serviceable third guard for the Pistons.
Trade Pieces
- Jaden Ivey
- Isaiah Stewart
Jaden Ivey has potential but may be best realized not playing with Cade Cunningham. In 20 games this season without Cade, Ivey averaged 18.9 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.0 rebounds. In 57 games with Cunningham, Ivey averaged 14.2 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.2 rebounds. The question Trajan Langdon and the incoming GM will have to ask themselves is: Can Ivey play with Cade? That answer will be the deciding factor in a possible trade.
Isaiah Stewart will be on the first year of his $64 million extension next season. Despite being a solid three-point shooter and the heart and soul of the Pistons, Stewart could be a trade piece to acquire a veteran player to help expedite their rebuild plans.
Realistic Targets
Via Trade
The biggest name on this list is Brandon Ingram. Coming off a season where he averaged 20.8 points, the fit of Ingram and Zion Williamson looks like it won’t work. Ingram was upset with his role in the offense this season, which caused him to have a “minor exchange” with head coach Willie Green. He is eligible for a four-year extension worth a projected $208 million, but the Pelicans might not justify giving it to him.
Kyle Kuzma is a native of Flint, Michigan, and he has expressed interest in playing for his hometown team. Kuzma and Detroit had a humorous link early in the season when Kuzma made light of the Pistons’ losing streak, stating: “At this point, it’s like don’t be that team.” Kuzma’s game is just what the Pistons need. He is a guy who can create his shot at the power forward position, which the Pistons desperately need.
De’Andre Hunter has found himself as the odd man out in Atlanta due to the emergence of Jalen Johnson. The Pistons and Hunter have a mutual interest in each other, making a trade more possible. Hunter provides floor spacing for Cade Cunningham, and since he feels a position of need, he will get a bunch of reps as either a starter or someone coming off the bench.
Via Free Agency
The power-forward position will be the most significant need for the Pistons going into this offseason. Two names that have been linked to the Pistons have been Miles Bridges and Tobias Harris. Harris averaged 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists on 48/35/87% shooting. The problem with Harris is he tends to disappear during the playoffs. He only averaged 9.0 points in Philadelphia’s six-game playoff run. Acquiring Harris would bring him back to Detroit, where he played in 157 games for the Pistons, averaging 16.8 points and 5.3 rebounds.
Miles Bridges and Obi Toppin
Miles Bridges and the Detroit Pistons have been linked since the 21-22 season. During the 21-22 season, Bridges played 80 games, averaging 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on 49/33/80% shooting. Obi Toppin was pivotal to the Indiana Pacers during their surprise run to the Eastern Conference finals this season. He put up career numbers across the board this season, but what impressed me was his three-point shooting. Toppin went from a 30% shooter in his rookie season to a 40% shooter this past season. Toppin is also a highlight waiting to happen with his athletic ability, which would add an exciting dimension to the Pistons’ lineup.
Malik Monk
Malik Monk has spent the last two seasons in Sacramento and showcased why he is among the highest-ranked two-guards in the 2024 free agency class. In his two seasons with the Kings, Monk averaged 14.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists on 46/35/86% shooting. He will immediately come in and be that complimentary piece to Cade Cunningham with his ability to get into the paint and take and make tough shots while knocking the 3-ball.
Andre Drummond
One sleeper for the Pistons can be bringing back Andre Drummond. While I do love the potential of Jalen Duren, he hasn’t been the most dependable when it comes to playing games. Duren played in 61 games for the Pistons this past season, and bringing in Drummond would not have a drop off in production at the center spot if Duren were to miss time. Last season for the Bulls, Drummond averaged 8.4 points and 9.0 rebounds in just 17.1 minutes.
