It hasn't been the offseason the Detroit Pistons fans have been hoping for. Ideally, the Pistons would be retaining Malik Beasley and Dennis Schroder, while using some of their cap space and tradeable contracts to improve the roster enough to be true contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Instead, they were priced out of Schroder in free agency and were hit with an investigation into Beasley, resulting in two key losses. Add Tim Hardaway Jr.'s departure, and the Pistons will surely look very different next season.
That doesn't necessarily mean they will be worse, however. The Pistons added veterans Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson and selected sharpshooter Chaz Lanier in the draft to replace the departed players. Jaden Ivey is going to be ready at the start of the season, creating a crowded backcourt in Detroit. This likely means that Marcus Sasser, heading into his third year when he will make $2.9 million, will be expendable.
New Pistons Arrivals Make Marcus Sasser Expendable
Sasser is a serviceable backup point guard. He has a solid pick-and-roll ability and can shoot the ball. He would be more than good enough behind a high-usage starting point guard in a limited role.
LeVert's arrival and Ivey's return, however, make it an uphill battle for Sasser in Detroit.
Ivey will likely be the primary ball handler when Cade Cunningham is on the bench. LeVert is also a talented offensive player with the ball in his hands as he can create shots for himself and others, especially on second units. If Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland also take steps forward as on-ball players, that doesn't leave enough room for Sasser to play a role.
Sasser may have some trade value on the market. If the Pistons include him and draft capital in a potential deal, they could upgrade in another position. Adding more shooting on the wing should be the primary goal in such a deal, but whether GM Trajan Langdon feels the same way remains to be seen.