Pistons head of basketball operations Ed Stefanski said this week that he isn’t going into the offseason looking to move any of the team’s three highest-paid players – Blake Griffin, Andre Drummond, and Reggie Jackson – as Rod Beard of The Detroit News details. However, he did admit that he doesn’t have a clear vision yet for what the rest of the Pistons’ offseason will look like.
“The philosophy right now is we have those three and we’re going with them,” Stefanski said. “But I have no idea what (else is) going to happen.”
The Pistons won’t have any cap room available this summer, but they have the No. 15 pick in the draft, the full mid-level exception (worth approximately $9.2MM) and the bi-annual exception ($3.6MM).
While Detroit is expected to try to add a backup center and a wing or two, a source tells Vince Ellis of The Detroit Free Press that the team’s No. 1 priority will be the point guard spot, with Ish Smith and Jose Calderon headed for free agency. For his part, Stefanski acknowledged that both positions will be of interest to the Pistons this offseason.
“I think free agency is where you look more for (immediate help) than the draft,” Stefanski said, per Ellis. “I think everyone hits it right on the head. We don’t know if we’ll be able to sign Ish, so we need a point guard. We don’t have really a starting wing right now.”
Here’s more from around the East:
- Some teams near the top of the draft are wondering about Jaylen Brown‘s availability, tweets Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe. There has been no indication that the Celtics would make Brown available, but one report indicated that Boston is among the teams that has considered trading for the No. 4 pick. A player like Brown would likely be needed to make that happen.
- The Raptors would need “significant compensation” to allow president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri to leave the franchise, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst (podcast link). The Wizards were rumored to have interest in Toronto’s top executive, but owner Ted Leonsis shot down those reports on Tuesday.
- Holding three first-round picks and three second-rounders heading into Thursday’s draft, Hawks general manager Travis Schlenk recently said he’s more inclined to package and trade his second-round selections, per Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Twitter link). It wouldn’t surprise me if Atlanta makes deals involving picks from both rounds.
- The Heat officially hired a replacement for Juwan Howard on Erik Spoelstra‘s staff, announcing in a press release that Malik Allen is the club’s newest assistant coach.
- With Anthony Davis – and Mike Conley – now off the trade market, it will be interesting to see whether the Wizards eventually reconsider their stance on keeping Bradley Beal, writes Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington. As Hughes points out, Beal might be the most sought-after prize on the trade block if Washington makes him available.
Chris Crouse contributed to this post.
If Boston is willing to give up Jaylon for the #4 pick, N.O. should jump all over that.
*Jaylen.
Brown is pretty inconsistent in the offensive end, so I would only trade him for 7th pick
Agree totally. Brown is inconsistent but could be better with a fresh start in New Orleans.
John luer, thon maker,Langston galaway #15 to bulls for Zach Levine. Cap relief next year for bulls and they could use the #15 to move in other deals.. Pistons need mills from spurs for 2nd unit. Should be AVAILIBLE with there loaded backcourt. If korver gets naught out from grizz they could offer him MLE.
Pretty surr bulls would ask for kennard in return for lavine. But I would do it.
I think the Pistons should look to trade Drummond. I think that NOLA would love him at center. Andre plus the 15th pick should be enough to get the 4th pick from the Pels. Draft a wing woh that pick and look to sign Demarcus Cousins or Al Horford for less than you were paying Andre.
As far as Reggie being a part of the future that’s just not gonna work. His injury ruined his career. He will never be what he would have been. Trade him the moment he becomes a valuable expiring contract and look for a new PG. I would look at Isaiah Thomas (not Zeke) as a potential guy to have a career revival in the D.
I like all those points. Nola did say they were looking for an established player for the 4 pick. I guess the could have the cap space to absorb drummond. A boogie/blake frontcourt could be nasty barring health. But with the 4 pick i would take garland. And i do like IT having a bounce back year.Stons would be wise to take a chance!
I don’t think they would have to offer more than AD. I mean Drummond is a fantastic player. If you had the #1 pick in most drafts and got a guy who averages 15 pts, 15 rbnds, 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks pg then most would be happy.
Isn’t Drummond a 40% free throw shooter? No thanks
60% now, & yes I would take it any day as KnicksFanCavsFan says, he is sooo underrated!
I like jaylen brown, I guess. I’m not at all sure why everyone considers him such a valuable asset. He’s going on year 4 and has only made a moderate splash… sure, you see the ability and he has his moments… but he hasn’t been anywhere near a legit stud.
Ujiri might be headed to the Bay Area. Unfortunately, it’ll be at the Alameda county courthouse.