Free Agent Targets for the Pistons

With the Detroit Pistons 2022-2023 season coming to an end, it’s time to look ahead. While most fans will look forward to the draft, free agency will be a very interesting period for the Detroit Pistons.

If you think about it, Jalen Duren, one of the Pistons brightest young players, was essentially acquired through free agency. Well, indirectly, as the Pistons signed Jerami Grant in free agency and traded him for what eventually became Jalen Duren. With that being said, let’s take a way too early look at some free agents the Pistons could target this summer. Speaking of Jerami Grant…

1. Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers

Jerami Grant spent two seasons with the Detroit Pistons, averaging 20.9 points per game in 101 games. Grant, to this day, is Troy Weaver’s best free agent signing. Eventually Grant was flipped to the Portland Trail Blazers for what became Jalen Duren. There has already been rumors of the Pistons interested in a reunion with the 29-year-old, who seemly left the organization on good terms. Paying Jerami Grant a near max contract while he’s entering his thirties is risky. But the Pistons will have money to spend and with their need at the forward position, a reunion with the former Piston is a real possibility this summer.

2. Grant Williams, Boston Celtics

Grant Williams has been rumored to the Detroit Pistons before, specifically at the trade deadline this year. Williams is the prototypical wing NBA teams dream of nowadays. Once upon a time he was known solely for his defensive ability, but now has added a three-pointer to his game. Williams was the 22nd pick in the 2019 draft and has shown notable improvement each year he has been in the league. The 24-year-old is averaging a career-high in points per game this year, as well as shooting around 40% from three. Williams will be a restricted free agent and the Celtics will want to retain him. The Detroit Pistons could offer him more money than Boston, as well as a bigger role on the team making Detroit a possible landing place for the 6’6 forward this summer.

3. Cameron Johnson, Brooklyn Nets

Part of the Kevin Durant blockbuster this February, Cameron Johnson will have a very interesting free agency this summer. Johnson will be a restricted free agent and will demand a great deal of money due to his three-point shooting and defensive potential. The 27-year-old came into the league as a 23-year-old but has shown some development at the NBA level. The Pistons need shooting around Cade and Ivey, which Johnson would no-doubt provide. While he is a little older than the Pistons young core, he is around the same age as Jerami Grant was when the Pistons signed Grant, making him a potential trade candidate in the future.

4. Caris LeVert, Cleveland Cavaliers

Caris LeVert, who once upon a time played at the University of Michigan, is now a well-seasoned NBA veteran. The forward was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers at last year’s trade deadline and has helped the Cavaliers make a playoff push this season. LeVert has taken on a bench role with Cleveland, which could be his role moving forward. LeVert is a good ball handler as well as a finisher at the rim. Also, his ties to the state of Michigan could give the Pistons an advantage in his free agency sweepstakes. LeVert is 28 years old and is having the best three-point shooting season of his career. Hopefully, LeVert can put his injury history behind him as he can be a good veteran to help build a winning culture for the Pistons.

5. Josh Hart, New York Knicks

Traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the New York Knicks at the 2023 trade deadline, Hart has made an immediate impact for the Knicks. The 28-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. He is the type of wing that can help the Detroit Pistons improve on the defensive end. Hart stands at 6’5 and is an excellent rebounder and defender. Hart is also a career 35% three pointer shooter. There has been question marks about his shooting, but he been hitting his threes consistently for the Knicks. Hart would be a good veteran to have on the team and would not cost as much as some of the other bigger named free agents on the market.