The Pistons have extended qualifying offers to Hamidou Diallo and Frank Jackson, ensuring that both players will be restricted free agents this summer, reports James Edwards III of The Athletic (via Twitter).
Acquired from the Thunder in March in a deal that sent Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk and a second-round pick to Oklahoma City, Diallo averaged 11.2 PPG and 5.4 RPG on .468/.390/.662 shooting in 20 games (23.3 MPG) for Detroit.
The expectation when Diallo was acquired was that the Pistons would make a strong effort to lock him up to a new deal as a restricted free agent. His qualifying offer will be worth about $2.08MM and will give Detroit the right of first refusal in the event that he signs an offer sheet with another team.
As for Jackson, the former 31st overall pick spent the 2020/21 season on a two-way contract with the Pistons, averaging 9.8 PPG and 2.2 RPG on .457/.407/.813 shooting in 40 games (18.5 MPG).
Because he has four years of NBA service under his belt, Jackson is ineligible to sign another two-way contract, so his qualifying offer will be worth the minimum salary. However, it only needs to be partially guaranteed for the equivalent of a two-way salary (likely around $463K).
The Pistons have two more players eligible for restricted free agency this offseason. I’d expect one of those players – Saben Lee – to get a qualifying offer before this weekend’s deadline, but the other – Dennis Smith Jr. – will likely become an unrestricted free agent.
Frank Jackson is gonna be a strong MIP candidate next season. He has big time skills, should be a perfect match with Cade going forward. The Hami for Svi deal was a steal for Weaver & the Pistons. They have a nice core fr it wouldn’t surprise me to see this team make the playoffs next season
They should lock FJ up for as long as possible. I think Diallo will sign for approximately the mid-level exception.
Completely agree on both points
The $10m slot? I don’t think Hamidou projects as a starter, tho DET may give him minutes for development. 24′ at both stops, low on-off. That would make him DET’s second-highest paid player! Well I guess they can afford it then.
Agree. Frank can play. The injury at the beginning of his career was a killer, but in the right situation, he can be one of the best backup point guards in the league.
Lee’s QO dependent upon draft day (picks and/or trades)???
His QO would just be for another two-way contract, so I’d be surprised if they don’t offer it.
Good to know! Thanks!
No one told Frank Johnson that the Pistons were trying to tank. He played great down the stretch. Now that they secured #1 pick, pay the man.