NBA Free Agency: One move every team needs to make
By Tom West
Detroit Pistons: Sign a stretch big man
A big man who can space the floor with more effectiveness than Tobias Harris and help out the interior brute strength of Andre Drummond will likely be a priority for the Pistons in free agency. Not to replace Harris, who averaged 16.6 points since arriving Detroit and is under contract for three more years, but to add some additional spacing from the bench.
The obvious name that springs to mind is Ryan Anderson. As one of the best sixth men in the NBA and one of the most sought after players at the trade deadline in February, he was even pursued by the Pistons in an attempted trade. After that, a deal for Donatas Motiejunas fell through and Harris became the way forward.
It’s been reported on several occasions that Anderson is looking forward to testing his options in free agency, although with under $20 million in cap space and the need to re-sign Andre Drummond to a max contract, the Pistons will need to sell Anderson on his fit with the team and their gradual rise up the Eastern Conference.
To compliment the likes of smaller forwards such as Tobias Harris and Marcus Morris off the wing, add stellar spacing in lineups next to Drummond, and ultimately come to Detroit without a loss of assets after the attempted trade in February, it makes sense for the Pistons to push for Anderson in any deal they can afford.
If Anderson seeks more money elsewhere, the Pistons can simply look to players such as Mirza Teletovic or Jon Leuer of the Suns on cheaper contracts instead.
Next: Indiana Pacers