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Earlier this week, I looked at the potential non-max free agents the Pistons could target to round out their list. While Detroit does have a maximum slot available, sources say it does the athlete The organization is unlikely to throw any of the big-name restricted free agents a Max contract. However, under the leadership of general manager Troy Weaver, that could change in an instant.
However, free agency isn’t the only way the Pistons can leverage their roughly $40 million cap space. The flexibility the team has created over the past week allows Detroit to accept large contracts that could also involve young players or draft picks as opposing teams try to make room for their own players.
Here we’ll look at three potential trades that will allow the Pistons to take on a larger contract while also acquiring a piece for the future.
Charlotte Hornets
Reports from Charlotte say the Hornets are looking to sever Gordon Hayward’s lofty contract in order to retain restricted free agent Miles Bridges. If that’s the case, the Pistons can make that possible for Michael Jordan’s roster while also bringing in two entry-level players who could jump right in and help the team.
First off, in this scenario, Charlotte would open more than $20 million in cap space, which would help the franchise immensely. As for the Pistons’ finances, Detroit would still have nearly $19 million in cap space after a trade like this.
The Hornets get a replacement for PJ Washington at Olynyk, making room to sign Bridges long-term. The Pistons add soon-to-be 24-year-old Washington, who is a 37.5 percent career 3-point shooter in the Power Forward spot. Washington, a year away from restricted freedom of action, could put itself in the starting spot of the power forward and give the Pistons’ starting lineup some much-needed ground clearance.
As for Hayward, yes, his contract for the next two seasons is a lot to handle, especially for someone who hasn’t played 50 games in either of the last two seasons. However, when healthy, the veteran wing is still very good. He would be a good addition alongside Cade Cunningham in the Pistons’ backfield if the franchise is looking to slow down No. 5 Jaden Ivey a bit.
In summary, the Pistons are getting two entry-level players, one of whom is a proven 24-year-old to grow with the young core, while still retaining $19 million, which they have in exchange for Olynyk and project guard Saben Lee can spend on the open market.
intense heat
Duncan Robinson’s lack of defense has kept him out of the Miami rotation for most of the playoffs, but the former Michigan Wolverines player can still shoot the rock. The Pistons need that kind of deadeye accuracy.
Robinson, who would reunite with his college coach and current Pistons head of player development, John Beilein, has four years left on his contract at an average annual salary of about $18 million, but the fourth year of the contract has an early termination option . Robinson may be overpaid, but that’s about the price of a high-volume 40 percent 3-point specialist.
Detroit would only gobble up about $10 million in Cap Space, albeit for several years. The Pistons still have about $30 million left on the open market.
Attaching a first-round pick to Robinson could be a bit much, but Miami is expected to be in contention for a title, so it might not take much to sway the Heat.
New York Knicks
Is Evan Fournier worth $18 million a year? Probably not, but he’s a wing who gets buckets and is a career 38 percent 3-point shooter. Detroit could use more of these guys.
Additionally, Fournier has a team option in the third and final year of his contract. Two years of Fournier at $18 million isn’t bad if you can cut ties in this third season.
The Knicks would create nearly $13 million in cap space in such a deal, giving the franchise the freedom to do whatever the Knicks do. The Pistons are bringing in a starting-level player who could be better-served off the bench as a top scorer, as well as a first-round pick next year. Detroit also gets its pick back for the 2023 second round.
I’m a fan of such a deal. Fournier adds some shots Detroit needs. And of course, adding design capital is always a good thing. The Knicks can make even more room to bring in Jalen Brunson and add other plays to try to become false contenders in the Eastern Conference.
(Top Photo Credit by PJ Washington: Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
