NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 potential destinations for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Mar 30, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) loses control of the ball as he bumps into Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) during the second quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 19, 2017; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy talks to guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) during the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Detroit Pistons

The Pistons drafted KCP back in 2013 and over the past four seasons he has become a key player in their rotation. He played more minutes per game than any other player on the Pistons for the second straight season and he’s the team’s most reliable defender. Despite offensive inconsistency, KCP has probably been Detroit’s best all-around player over the past two seasons.

Stan Van Gundy has trusted Caldwell-Pope and helped him grow as a player. That might make him more inclined to want to stay in Detroit. On the court the team’s offense revolves around pick and rolls featuring Andre Drummond, but a serious lack of shooting across the roster puts a lot of pressure on KCP to be a legit floor spacer. The fit isn’t always ideal and the roster had some infighting issues last year, but Van Gundy has a knack for getting the most out of his rosters.

From the team’s perspective, it doesn’t have much of a choice but to match any offer for KCP. Even if the Pistons aren’t convinced he’s an essential part of their team going forward, letting KCP go doesn’t make much sense because they are capped out. If the Pistons had space to use on a potential replacement perhaps they might be more willing to risk losing him, but as things stand they should hold onto him.

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