According to Detroit Pistons insider James L. Edwards III, the team will likely “heavily” pursue three NBA veterans in free agency this summer–Malik Monk, Nic Claxton, and Gary Harris.
“As for other realistic free-agent options, I think Detroit goes heavily after the likes of Malik Monk, Nic Claxton and Gary Harris. Monk feels like someone the Pistons will heavily prioritize due to the team’s need for legitimate 3-point shooting and off-the-dribble shot creation.”
Despite not being major names, all three players can provide a boost to the Pistons’ roster. Additionally, the Pistons are projected to have around $64.4 million in cap space this summer. This is the highest projection among all 30 NBA teams.
Detroit Pistons to ‘Heavily’ Pursue 3 Veterans in Free Agency
Malik Monk
Monk finished the 2023-24 NBA season as the runner-up for the Sixth Man of the Year award. This is the second time in two seasons he finished in the top-five for voting. Despite not winning the honor, Monk still enjoyed a career year heading into free agency. The guard played 72 games and averaged 26 minutes per game. In those games, he averaged a career-high 15.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. A few months ago, Monk made it clear he would “love to be back” with the Sacramento Kings.
“I’m comfortable in Sacramento,” Monk told HoopsHype. “I’d love to play here again, for sure. I’ve been here for two years and made friends with everyone, including the training staff and front office. I’d love to be back here.”
The 26-year-old provides exceptional scoring and is a dynamic guard. He would provide the Pistons with another reliable scorer, whether it is off the bench or in the team’s starting lineup.
Nic Claxton
The Brooklyn Nets big man has improved every year in his five-year career so far. And at 25 years old, it is likely he will continue to get better. He has shown elite defensive skills and is a solid rebounder and scorer. Because of this, the Nets want to bring Claxton back. Last month, Nets GM Sean Marks said re-signing Claxton is “the No. 1 priority” for the team in the offseason.
“Nic is the No. 1 priority for us, there’s no doubt about that. We hope he’s a Net for a very long time. We hope we can continue to build around him and with him.”
Furthermore, according to Lucas Kaplan of NetsDaily, the Nets are “confident” they will re-sign Claxton.
“Still, sources indicate that Brooklyn is very confident in their ability to re-sign Clax, even if the annual value on the contract approaches $25 million.”
Claxton would be a solid addition for the Pistons, but it does not seem likely at this point.
Gary Harris
Harris is fresh off one of the least successful seasons of his career so far. With the Orlando Magic, the 10-year veteran averaged 6.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Additionally, he shot 44.1% from the field and 37.1% from the three-point line. In six games played during the playoffs, Harris averaged just 4.2 points per game while shooting an abysmal 28.6% from the field. However, despite his shortcomings, Harris is still a good perimeter shooter and provides solid depth. Furthermore, as a Michigan State product, Harris knows what it is like to play in the area.
The Last Word on the Detroit Pistons’ Free Agency
After finishing the season with the worst record in the NBA for the second straight season, it would make sense for the Pistons to spend big in free agency. It will be interesting to see what they will do to inch closer to contention.
