The Detroit Pistons had to say goodbye to several rotation players this offseason. While not receiving as much attention as the losses of Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Dennis Schröder, Simone Fontecchio also departed this summer. The backup power forward for the Pistons, who was a big part of the regular season rotation last year, was included in the trade that brought Duncan Robinson to Detroit. It turns out, however, that the 29-year-old's time with the Miami Heat may not last very long.
Simone Fontecchio May Reportedly Be Cut Before the End of August
Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported that the Heat may use the stretch provision on Fontecchio for cap savings. This would allow Miami to spread Fontecchio's $8.3 million salary over three seasons and go below the luxury tax line. Winderman added that the Heat would have until August 29 to make this move.
This is a fascinating decision by the Heat. Fontecchio is obviously not worth his $8.3 million salary for the 2025-26 season, but he is a capable veteran who can give them solid regular-season minutes off the bench. Plus, his expiring contract could be used in a potential trade for salary-matching purposes. Whether to pay a player $2.7 million for each of the next three seasons to not play for your team rather than $8.3 million to play for you for a year is certainly not an easy decision.
For Fontecchio, this doesn't change his NBA future too much. He could either sign a new deal with another team upon his release or even go back to Europe while still getting paid the salary he is owed. Even though he didn't shoot the ball well last season, Fontecchio deserves to be on an NBA roster. He plays hard, has good size, and provides two-way ability. Considering how desperately the Pistons need a backup PF, perhaps he could be an option to return to Detroit on a minimum contract. Whether GM Trajan Langdon considers that possibility remains to be seen.