While the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs kick off Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, 28 teams, including the Detroit Pistons, are already in offseason mode. Fans are looking at their team's cap sheets, tinkering with the trade machine, and fantasizing about potential additions to their roster.
Tuning into the NBA Finals, fans could potentially see a future Piston. Detroit is expected to make sweeping changes to its roster this summer. Thanks to their cap space, assets, and flexibility, their options are endless. Let's take a look at who may be available in the market from the two finalists.
Harrison Barnes
If the Pistons are priced out of Tobias Harris in free agency, Harrison Barnes could be a cheaper replacement. The 34-year-old forward lost his starting spot in San Antonio but was an important contributor throughout the season.
Barnes isn't the scorer Harris is at this point in his career, but he is a capable all-around forward. He has made over 41% of his threes over his two seasons in San Antonio. He is a step slower now, but is still a solid defender. He may not be a starting power forward for a title contender, but he is a decent rotation player.
The Spurs may want to retain Barnes in free agency, but the Pistons have more cap space this summer. They could do worse than paying Barnes as an alternative to Harris.
Landry Shamet
The veteran shooting guard boosted his stock during the Knicks' playoff run. The 29-year-old is hitting unrestricted free agency this summer and should have plenty of suitors after hitting 60% of his threes so far in the playoffs.
Shamet is the exact type of backup perimeter player the Pistons need. He doesn't have to play over 15-20 minutes per game, but he would be very useful in a limited role off the bench. The Pistons need more offensive players they can run plays for. Shamet, thanks to his ability as a versatile, movement shooter, can be that guy.
The Pistons should have the cap space to sign Shamet in free agency. Any short-term deal that pays him less than eight figures in annual salary should age well, and the Pistons would be wise to consider it.
Jordan Clarkson
After finding a role that suits him and re-establishing his career in New York, Clarkson may just want to return to the Knicks in free agency. There could be a mutual interest there as the 33-year-old exceeded all expectations in his first season in New York.
Once making a name for himself as an elite microwave scorer off the bench, Clarkson is no longer that type of player. Instead, he is a solid defender who provides a steady hand for his team in limited minutes. He can still get buckets in a pinch by getting to the rim at will and hitting difficult shots, but Clarkson is now a more well-rounded player.
The Pistons need more shooting, scoring, and ball-handling without sacrificing their defensive identity. Clarkson can certainly provide that. If Detroit pays him slightly more than the veteran minimum in the summer, Clarkson should be gettable and would provide competence and leadership.
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