NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 offseason targets for the Detroit Pistons

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 26: Stanley Johnson #7 and Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 26, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – APRIL 22: Rodney Hood #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during game four of the NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 22, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Cavaliers won 104-100. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rodney Hood /

4. Rodney Hood

Did I mention that the Pistons have next to no money to do anything in free agency? Even Rodney Hood, whose stock is at an all-time low, might be too pricey for them. Hood is a restricted free agent, but a return to Cleveland seems pretty unlikely based on how things have gone for him since the trade deadline.

Let’s not forget that Hood averaged 16.8 points per game in Utah, shooting 38 percent from 3. He’s a microwave scorer and athletic enough to make it look like he’s trying on defense. He’d be perfect alongside Jackson.

Money is the real issue here. Hood could overprice himself and con some team into paying him more than the mid-level exception. There’s a team out there who will do it, I promise you. Since the Pistons have limited financial flexibility, if Hood wants more than the MLE, the Pistons would have to clear cap space.

Rodney Hood is not worth clearing cap space for.

If Hood is out for a “prove yourself” deal, he could do worse than Detroit. There is enough talent to where they should be competitive next season, but not enough talent to where Hood can’t take 15 shots a game if he wants. Griffin and Drummond are excellent playmakers who any sharpshooting wing should want to play for.

Hood would give Detroit what they lost in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Yes, I realize that sounds scary. Did I mention that the Pistons have $75 million tied up in Jackson, Drummond, and Griffin?

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