The Detroit Pistons will likely be one of the more active teams in free agency when it begins at 6 p.m. ET. They're coming off a season in which they improved by a massive 30 wins from the season prior to make the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2019.
While they went on to lose to the New York Knicks in six games, the Pistons were competitive in every game during that series and, if not for Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and his fourth-quarter heroics, could have won the series if a few plays had gone differently.
Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
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Pistons considered among top candidates to sign Timberwolves' guard in free agency
Now, the Pistons are tasked with improving upon last year's performance in hopes of returning to the playoffs and proving that this past season wasn't just a one-year wonder. The Pistons have notable free agents, particularly at the shooting guard position.
According to NBA Insider Mike Scotto, the Pistons could be a landing spot for Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
"The Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Toronto Raptors, along with other teams, are expected to pursue Alexander-Walker in free agency, league sources told HoopsHype," wrote Scotto. "Within league circles, the Pistons and Hawks are considered the top candidates to land Alexander-Walker heading into free agency."
Alexander-Walker had a solid showing in the playoffs and was often asked to pick up some of the slack on offense. However, in their final game, he scored zero points on 0-for-8 shooting. Still, he remains a solid option off the bench and could thrive in that role with the Pistons.
Both Tim Hardaway Jr. and Malik Beasley are set to become free agents. Beasley was a finalist for the Sixth Man of the Year award and finished second in the league in total made 3-pointers.
However, it's challenging to determine Beasley's current value. He was likely going to be offered an extension by the Pistons, but that seems highly unlikely now amid the gambling investigation he's involved in.
It will be interesting to monitor how active the Pistons are early on, or if they let some of the dust settle when the window opens early Monday evening.