The Detroit Pistons currently have 15 players on the roster and have yet to re-sign Jalen Duren. This means that once Duren inevitably signs a new deal, the Pistons have to move on from one of their players before the start of the season.
After the Las Vegas Summer League, who this player will be has become obvious.
Gary Harris is now the most obvious departure candidate in Detroit
With Chaz Lanier having a solid showing in his five games in Vegas, all signs are pointing to Gary Harris being the odd man out in Detroit.
Harris was acquired from the Milwaukee Bucks, along with Taurean Prince, in the Caris LeVert trade. This was more about offloading LeVert's contract rather than Detroit being interested in Prince or Harris. This allowed the Pistons to create more cap space to make their offseason moves and eventually sign Duren while staying under the luxury tax.
The 31-year-old shooting guard is certainly a competent veteran. He is a solid shooter and can hold his own defensively. At this stage of his career, however, he offers little upside.
More importantly, the Pistons don't have a need for his skill set. Lanier showed that he has the potential to be an elite shooter. The second-year player faces an uphill battle to be in the rotation, but at least he has the upside that Harris doesn't have.
The Pistons have a ton of depth at shooting guard. Kevin Huerter is back, and Isaiah Joe is now a Piston. Duncan Robinson will continue to start at the two. There will be minutes for Daniss Jenkins to play next to Cade Cunningham.
This crowded backcourt leaves no path to playing time for Harris, making him the most expendable member of the team.
Harris is on a veteran's minimum deal, paying him $3.8 million for next season. There may be a team willing to bring him in without giving up a player. If there is no interest in the veteran shooting guard, the Pistons could cut him before the start of the season.
Of course, there could be more moves from the Pistons front office. There are rumors of interest in free agent DeMar DeRozan. In that scenario, the Pistons would have to part ways with more than one player. Plus, a potential consolidation trade where the Pistons trade two players and take one back shouldn't be ruled out.
Regardless of the rest of the moves Detroit makes this summer, Harris is unlikely to be on the roster on opening night.
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