The Detroit Pistons are understandably laser-focused on the resolution of the extension talks with Jalen Duren. The sides are not close to an agreement, but signs are pointing towards the All-Star center's return to Detroit.
The process has been frustrating, to be sure. However, the Pistons can't let the stalemate stand in the way of other offseason business. There are still opportunities out there, and it behooves GM Trajan Langdon to at least consider making additional moves.
Pistons have the assets and resources to still be active in free agency
The Pistons created two separate trade exceptions this summer: a $15 million one from the Isaiah Stewart trade and a $5.2 million one from the Marcus Sasser deal. This means that they can take back players into these slots without having to worry about matching salaries in a trade.
Without renouncing their rights on Duren, the Pistons don't have any cap space. So, they have to use one of their trade exceptions to acquire a free agent who makes more than a minimum contract. They can, of course, use a combination of their assets and draft picks to make a trade, but that seems unlikely at this point in the offseason. So, let's focus on free agency instead.
The first name that stands out as a potential Pistons target is Peyton Watson. He is a restricted free agent, and the cash-strapped Denver Nuggets are struggling to sign him to a new contract. They desperately need to shed salary, so Watson is gettable via a sign-and-trade.
Detroit needs to try to see if they can sign-and-trade Watson using the $15 million trade exception. Since they don't have to give up a player, this could appeal to the Nuggets, who might prefer getting back draft capital. Watson is a talented, versatile forward who can create his own shot, hit open jumpers, and defend on the wing, all while fitting Detroit's timeline.
The Pistons could also bring in Jonathan Kuminga or Bennedict Mathurin. They are more questionable fits due to their shaky jumpers, poor playmaking, and inconsistent defense. For the right price, however, they may help the Pistons. If Detroit can acquire either player on a short-term deal without giving up any significant assets, they could be an interesting upside play.
There are free agents further down the pecking order. Point guard Brandon Williams is still out there, and he could be an upgrade over Daniss Jenkins and Ebuka Okorie in the backcourt. Bradley Beal and DeMar DeRozan are still waiting for their next homes. Depending on Beal's health, the veteran shooting guard could be a decent addition as a bench shooter and scorer.
The Pistons can part ways with several different options to make room for a new addition. Gary Harris and Taurean Prince are both expendable. Detroit wouldn't desperately miss Chaz Lanier and Tolu Smith if they had to part ways with them for the right free agent.
Duren is clearly at the top of the list for the Pistons right now. If they sign him to a reasonable new contract, they will feel good about their offseason. Yet, it would also be a good idea for them to explore other paths to improve, most notably a move for Peyton Watson.
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