The Detroit Pistons have turned a significant corner in their franchise's history. After securing the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, they made their first playoff appearance since 2019.
Unfortunately, this was short-lived, as their postseason run ended in the first round with a 4-2 loss to the New York Knicks. However, the season was a testament to the team's growth and potential, as the franchise recorded its first playoff win since 2008.
With a young core led by Cade Cunningham and ample cap space, the Pistons are poised to make strategic moves in the 2025 free agency to bolster their roster.
The Athletic's Hunter Patterson presented some potential targets while discussing the Pistons' moves ahead of the upcoming NBA Draft. Patterson suggests that Detroit may consider signing power forwards Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Santi Aldama of the Memphis Grizzlies out of free agency in the summer.
Naz Reid Likely To Seek Greener Pastures
Naz Reid has garnered a lot of attention over the last two seasons. After being named the Sixth Man Of The Year last season, Reid only improved upon his performance with the Timberwolves.
Reid holds a $15 million player option for the upcoming season, which, given his performance, is dramatically undervalued. In this context, it is anticipated that he will decline this option to explore free agency, seeking a contract that reflects and meets the current demand for him.
The Wolves forward had a tremendous run through the regular season and emerged as a significant contributor for the team. In the 2024-25 season, he played 80 games, averaging 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, with shooting splits of 46.2% from the field and 37.9% from three-point range.
Reid's ability to stretch the floor as a big man makes him an ideal fit for modern NBA offenses. His shooting prowess forces defenses to extend, creating driving lanes for guards and wings. Additionally, his size and strength allow him to hold his own in the post, both offensively and defensively.
With the Pistons, Reid would have an opportunity to develop in ways that may not have been available to him. Playing on a team led by Cade Cunningham opens up a lot of avenues for versatile big men. His ability to shoot the long ball also makes for an ideal pair next to Pistons center Jalen Duren, a more classic paint presence.
Santi Aldama Shows Immense Two-Way Potential
Santi Aldama has come into his own as a player with the Memphis Grizzlies. Since establishing himself as a reliable player in his sophomore season, Aldama has consistently improved and has become a core piece in the Grizzlies' rotation.
In the 2024-25 season, the Spanish forward notched an average of 12.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists on shooting splits of 48.3% and 36.8% from beyond the arc. Although he hasn't been much of a shooting threat historically, he still makes enough use of the three-point shot to keep defenders honest and on their toes.
Aldama's versatility and athleticism allow him to play both forward positions. Defensively, his length and mobility enable him to guard multiple positions, fitting well into switch-heavy defensive schemes.
The 24-year-old boasts ever-improving two-way capabilities that would bolster the Pistons' wing defense and add another shooter to the lineup. His versatility while guarding opponents aligns with the team's defensive philosophy, and his offensive flexibility would allow for creative lineup configurations.
While he may not necessarily be the ideal starter on the team, he would do wonders for the bench rotation. Considering that the Pistons have shown an interest in bringing some key players back in free agency, Aldama would do well to fit in along with them.
The challenge, however, is getting the forward away from the Grizzlies. As a restricted free agent, Memphis will have the right to match any offer sheet Aldama signs.
However, considering the key signings the team may have to make in the offseason, there's a possibility they may not match a competitive offer. Thus, making Aldama an attainable target for teams like the Pistons.
The 2024-25 season showed that Detroit was primed to make a comeback into the limelight. After several disappointing seasons languishing at the bottom of the East, the Pistons seem ready to go toe-to-toe with some of the best teams in the league. And with the right additions in the summer, Detroit could also look to make a deep playoff run as soon as next season.
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