We recently learned that the Pistons have interest in Ryan Anderson as a free agent this summer, but not as a trade candidate because Detroit would rather not surrender assets to acquire him. Of course, any team would prefer not to part with anything to add talent. With the Pistons, however, there may be a reason to be confident in landing Anderson, who, as a stretch-four, would likely be a significant boost for Detroit. Pistons coach/executive Stan Van Gundy used to coach Anderson when they both were with the Magic, so they have a relationship.
Holding off on Anderson sounds ideal, but it also is the best decision for the Pistons, in my opinion, because they will have a significant amount of money to spend this summer. What’s more, it does not seem sensible to me to trade away assets for what might amount to an improvement of only a few more wins. Either way, Anderson won’t come cheaply this summer; he’ll be a veteran of eight years by then, so he’d be eligible for the middle-tier max of a projected $24.9MM.
On the other hand, the Pistons have lost five of their last eight games and are now 25-23. They would prefer to use current starter Ersan Ilyasova off the bench. Detroit is also reportedly set to target Donatas Motiejunas, who will be a restricted free agent this summer. The Pistons are a solid team, but they are a piece or two away from seriously contending for the championship.
That leads us to today’s shootaround topic: Should the Pistons pull the trigger on a deal now or wait to sign a power forward in the summer?
Being mindful of our commenting policy, let us know in the comments section below what your thoughts are. We look forward to what you have to share.
Terrence Jones could be a cheap pickup if Motiejunas overcomes his back issues in Houston. Jones has the shooting range to succeed in Van Gundy’s offense.
Wait on it, unless a really strong offer comes along. They didn’t have to give up much at all to acquire Reggie Jackson last year. I would hold out for a similar deal for Anderson or another power forward. In the case of Anderson, there’s always the worst-case scenario of trading real assets for him and then watching him walk in free agency. I’d avoid that if I were SVG.
They should trade KCP for Trey Burke lol, remember when that was a thing? Seriously though they should ride this squad out
They’re not going to give up any future first-rounders, so they only pull the trigger if the price is right. They want to make the playoffs but not at the expense of giving away future assets.
Josh McRoberts is available cheap right now if you can get Hinkie to facilitate a 3way.