The odds of several free agent bigs returning to the Pistons appear to be diminishing, according to James Edwards of The Athletic. The most prominent of the group, unrestricted free agent Christian Wood, seems like a 50-50 proposition to come back. Wood has positioned himself to be one of the most intriguing players on the market, Edwards notes. Another UFA, John Henson, doesn’t appear to have a future on a young, rebuilding squad while Thon Maker didn’t shine in the team’s minicamp. It’s unlikely the club will extend a qualifying offer to make him a restricted free agent, Edwards adds.
We have more from the Central Division:
- The Pacers have reached out to Justin Holiday and they’re hoping to re-sign the unrestricted free agent, J. Michael of the Indianapolis Star reports. Indiana anticipates a strong market for the 3-and-D wing, who played on a $4.8MM contract this past season. Holiday averaged 8.3 PPG on 40.5% shooting from deep in 25.0 MPG in his walk year. The Pacers will likely have to offer a multiyear deal to retain him, Michael adds.
- Chauncey Billups remains a head coaching candidate for the Pacers, J. Michael reports in a separate story. Billups has already tentatively accepted an assistant coaching position with the Clippers, but the door is open for him to take a head coaching job. The 2004 Finals MVP is currently an ESPN analyst. Indiana is expected to pick three finalists and conduct final interviews before the end of the month, Michael adds.
- Cavaliers guard Darius Garland didn’t have smooth sailing as a rookie but he looked like a different player in minicamp. Get the details here.
Christian Wood
Real Value 3 years $40M
Market 3 years $60M
Pacers did not interview any coach who is better than McMillan. Why?
Is there any TV analysts that became good coaches without being a coach previously?
Steve Kerr
Any chance that the Cavs rebuild falls in line perfectly with LeBron just about to retire and goes for one last season at home in Cleveland.
I mean they are definitely not a playoff team but what about in 4 years ish.
Colin Sexton in his prime, Andre Drummond still dominating the rebounds, Kevin Porter looks really promising and they have the 5th pick this year.
Who knows they get another good pick next season or another two good picks, then fast forward another 2 year and then LeBron joins them for one last go in the east?
Why just one four years away?
all they have to do is draft bronny james and this scenario becomes even more possible.
Thats the only scenario where LeBron comes back
Thon Maker still has huge potential!
/s lol