The NBA offseason is right around the corner and the Detroit Pistons are a team to monitor this summer as they try to upgrade their roster and build off their impressive season.
Detroit was able to finish sixth in the Eastern Conference this season and they gave the New York Knicks a fight in the first round before eventually falling in six games.
Despite this, it was a successful season for the Pistons as they went from having the worst record in the NBA the prior two seasons to being a playoff team.
Ausar Thompson
Feb 12, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) and forward Ausar Thompson (9) chat against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center.
© Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Now Detroit has some key decisions to make this summer as they look to build around their core of Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren.
Of course, the Pistons could elect to make a trade for another star this offseason or they could just look to upgrade their rotation via trades and in free agency.
One player who has been linked to the Pistons is Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Grizzlies and other teams believe that the Pistons could be a threat to pursue Aldama this offseason.
Aldama is a restricted free agent, which means that Memphis could match any offer he receives, though they may be willing to move on from him this summer if another team offers him too large of a contract, which Detroit could do.
Detroit could be a perfect landing spot for Aldama as he would give them another big man and scorer who would likely come off the bench behind Tobias Harris.
USA: Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) reacts after a three-point basket during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum.
USA: Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) reacts after a three-point basket during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum.
© Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
This season, the 24-year-old averaged 12.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 48.3% from the field and 36.8% from three-point range.
Aldama was able to improve his numbers again this season as he continues to develop his game, especially on the offensive side and he could be a key piece off the bench for Detroit if they elect to pursue him this summer.