Detroit Pistons: Reviewing the opening night of Free Agency

The NBA free agency period started off with a bang last night, and we’re going to take a second to review where some former Detroit Pistons ended up and for how much.

After much speculation leading into the free agency period, the Detroit Pistons were not huge players but did add a stretch, floor-spacing center Kelly Olynyk.

A few days ago, Olynyk, along with center Nerlens Noel, had been rumored targets of the organization after general manager (GM) Troy Weaver opted to trade Mason Plumlee on draft night to free up some cap space.

Noel ended up re-upping with the New York Knicks, and Olynyk is Detroit bound to the tune of $37 million over three years.

Weaver also released a trio of Pistons Cory Joseph, Tyler Cook, and Deividas Sirvydis to save about $12 million in real cap space before the start of free agency.  Weaver later determined it would be wise to bring back the veteran point guard in Joseph to help stabilize the position but on more of a team-friendly commitment.

The Detroit Pistons signed Cory Joseph to a two-year deal worth $10 million.

Detroit also added power forward Trey Lyles. Lyles averaged 5 points and 3.7 boards last season for the Spurs in 23 games.

I fully expect the organization to retain Hamidou Diallo, Frank Jackson, and Saben Lee, and that may be it for free agency 2021 for the Detroit Pistons as they will be tight against the cap.

The Detroit Pistons are expected to carry about $36 million in dead cap space mostly due to Blake Griffin for the 2021-22 season.  Perhaps the Pistons will become aggressive buyers next offseason after the Griffin money is off the books?

Checking in on a few former Detroit Pistons.

Former Piston Reggie Bullock cashed in with the Dallas Mavericks signing a three-year deal worth $30.5 million to catch and shoot alongside superstar Luka Doncic.

Derrick Rose re-signed with the Knicks to remain with his beloved head coach Tom Thibodeau. Rose landed a three-year deal worth $47 million.  It’s a big payday for the former league MVP who seemed extremely close to being out of the league a short few years ago. Rose has played with Thibodeau in three of his stops, Chicago, Minnesota, and New York. I admire Rose’s perseverance and dedication to the game.

Backup center Boban Marjanovic re-signed with the Mavericks.  The Los Angeles Lakers signed free agent sharp-shooter Wayne Ellington to a one-year deal.  The financial details of both of these deals have not been disclosed at the time of this writing.

Two bigger-ticket players have yet to find a new home (at the time of this writing).  Former Detroit Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson and center Andre Drummond are still on the market.