The Pistons entered last week with plenty of cap space and used a good portion of it on their impending trade with the Knicks for Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel and their free agent deals with Marvin Bagley and Kevin Knox. They have a full roster but still need more shooting, plus they have an overload of big men, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press notes. It’s possible the Pistons could get involved in another trade, rather than dipping again into the free agent market.
We have more from the Eastern Conference:
- The Sixers added grit and toughness by securing commitments from P.J. Tucker and Danuel House in free agency but there’s more work to be done, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes. They still need to replace starting wing Danny Green and they’re still too dependent on Joel Embiid‘s health and a bounce back from James Harden to reach the top of the Eastern Conference.
- Going all in for a spirited run at Kevin Durant is far from a no-brainer for the Raptors, Eric Koreen of The Athletic argues. While the Raptors have the pieces to make the Nets a substantial offer, they have been built around draft successes and development. They have to decide whether to risk the future for another championship run or count on incremental growth to keep open their window of opportunity for several more seasons.
- By agreeing to trade Malcolm Brogdon to the Celtics, the Pacers essentially gave Tyrese Haliburton the keys to the franchise, according to James Boyd of the Indianapolis Star. It was a clear signal that they’re building around their potential All-Star guard. He is now the team’s unquestioned backcourt leader and the Pacers could potentially have three first-round picks next year. They also now have the cap flexibility to make a max contract offer to restricted free agent Deandre Ayton, if they choose that route.
ayton on the pacers would be interesting
100% they can offer Ayton the max and I doubt the Suns will match.
The Suns are better off trying to get something in return via a sign and trade.
Myles Turner for DeAndre Ayton and a second rounder.
Suns get their guy, get a pick and it also means they get to have a little bit more salary money to spend considering Turner will leave.
Suns get a replacement centre, great skill set for them, good contract and should be a good fit.
Not when you already have one of the top shot blockers in the league, similar to Sabonis they would clog the paint up for each other (and yes miles can shoot the 3 a lil ) so in short it be better to keep Turner than go all in on Ayton ..
I’d rather Ayton.
Turner you know what your getting.
Last season he averaged 13-7-1 which doesn’t change much if you look at his career averages of 13-6.5-0.7. It’s just the same old same old, 7 years in the league and not much has changed.
Ayton is 3 years young with loads of potential. Last year he put up 17-10-1.5, and you know that’s just the minimum with him. Guarantee if you traded for him he’d put up 20-12 next season along side Haliburton.
Now defensively Turner is a better shot blocker, and offensively he is better at stretching the floor. But Ayton is a better screen setter, better rebounder and better scorer. Ultimately I think that’s the only thing Turner is better than him at Blocks ands 3’s. Not to mention Ayton’s got the potential to get even better.
Lastly now that your building around Halliburton, Ayton also makes more sense being a similar age and on the same time line
Cmon Sixers get it done.
Sixers: Eric Gordon and Harrison Barnes
Kings: Tobias Harris, Shake Milton and a first
Rockets: Richaun Holmes, Mattise Thybulle and a second
1. Maxey. Melton
2. Harden. Gordon
3. Barnes. House
4. Tucker. Niang
5. Embiid.
Then find another back up centre for behind Embiid. A few options, Whiteside, Cousins, Tristan Thompson, Dwight, Taj Gibson, Greg Monroe or Markieff Morris.
That’s a team capable of pushing for a championship. Not the title favourite but titles aren’t won on paper, a huge factor is luck of the draw and avoiding injuries. So what’ll be key is getting a good back up big to back up Embiid. Tucker isn’t going to go hard on the rebounds so you’ll need a good solid big.
Downgrade. Eric Gordon is minutes away from being over cooked.
Thybulle, Korkmaz, Shake for either Richardson, Bullock, Burks, or someone of that ilk. 3 and D wing players making around 11M or less for salary matching purposes.
Embiid – Paul/Bassey
Harris – Niang
Tucker – Richardson
Harden – Springer/Joe
Maxey – Melton
3 guys that could average 8-10ppg and at least 3 spots covered defensively at C, SF, and PG.
We had JRich and he kinda sucked. We need someone that can make an impact off the bench particularly with their scoring. Last season it was a weakness of ours. Eric Gordon just makes sense with Daryl Morey calling the shots. He’s someone that can just erupt for 20 off the bench from like 8 shots.
Mavs won’t be giving up Bullock so that’s a no go and your last suggestion Burks. That would be alright but I don’t see the Pistons wanting to take back 3 guys for 1. They won’t have enough roster spots and would have to cut guys which defeats acquiring them unless they also get picks
I always thought Kyle kuzma would fit that Philly squad well…he’s essentially a rental but maybe Wizards would take Thybull Korm + small draft capital. They do need perimeter D and have endless Kuzma like players at the F position already that need some mins-
Agree TT Whiteside Dwight would be a good b/u C fit
I’d love Boogie cousins just cause I know he can play bigger minutes and allow Embiid to rest during the regular season. That and the fact he’s probably got the most similar game can destroy guys in the paint, can stretch the floor etc etc.
however the only issue there is obviously injuries and locker room fit
Confusing times for certain Sixers fans. Not too long ago certain ones said they didn’t want Tucker any way when it looked like he would re-sign with Miami, but then he signs with Philly.
I wonder how those Sixers fans that made the statement feel today.
I can see the Sixers going for Eric Gordon.
Morey seems intent on creating the Philadelphia Rockets plus Joel Embiid.
Any other thicc 6’4″ free-agents available?