JULY 7: The signing is official, the Pistons announced on Twitter.
JULY 2: The Pistons have reached an agreement with veteran point guard Jose Calderon, according to ESPN’s Chris Haynes (Twitter link). League sources tell Haynes that’s worth $2.4MM, which means it’s a minimum-salary deal.
The agreement will reunite Calderon with new Pistons head coach Dwane Casey, who coached the 36-year-old several seasons ago in Toronto.
A 13-year NBA veteran, Calderon spent the 2017/18 with the Cavaliers. Although he played a modest role with the club, he was solid when called upon, averaging 4.5 PPG and 2.1 APG with a .503/.464/.800 shooting line.
While it’s a low-cost investment for the Pistons, it’s a somewhat curious one. The team was already well-stocked at the point guard spot, with Reggie Jackson and Ish Smith atop the depth chart and Langston Galloway occasionally getting ball-handling duties too. However, it’s possible Detroit has another move in mind. The club is exploring possible trades, according to Rod Beard of The Detroit News (Twitter link), who identifies Smith, Galloway, and Jon Leuer as potential chips.
Calderon figures to take Dwight Buycks‘ place on Detroit’s roster. Buycks has a $1.6MM non-guaranteed salary for next season, but waiving him would help give the Pistons a little extra distance below the tax line, as ESPN’s Bobby Marks details (via Twitter).
I think the pistons are just scared of Reggie getting hurt again and last season happening all over again so they are stocking up on PGs. They also drafted Bruce Brown from Miami who is another option at the point
SOLID addition. As a cavs fan I’ll miss him. He does what needs to be done. He knows his job and how to do it. Doesn’t over do it as he knows his limits. Best wishes Jose!
Pistons must’ve loved the Knicks blueprint for success with Calderon and Galloway.
What are the Cavs doing!? All he does is win. What is Calderon doing!?
If all he does is win why wouldn’t he go to the pistons over the cavs(without lebron) the pistons will have atleast 10 more wins this season then cavs
Very possible, but I meant he drives winning, not just joins it… Assuming he can handle the athletic challenge. And him being able to take advantage of an opponent’s less-than-playoff-intensity midseason effort won’t help in the playoffs.
pretty sure Casey vouched for him. he was in Toronto when Casey became HC. known quantity.
He also played for the pistons a few years ago but under same ownership so the familiarity goes deep