The 2024-25 NBA season went better than Detroit Pistons fans could've asked. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff's squad exceeded expectations with a 44-win performance that saw them return to the NBA postseason for the first time since 2019, leaving the Pistons to look for ways to improve even more this summer.
With Paul Reed hitting free agency and Tobias Harris entering the final year of his contract, the Pistons will likely be in the market to add a big man or two this offseason. NBA insider Jake Fischer has previously linked the Indiana Pacers' Myles Turner and Minnesota Timberwolves' Naz Reid as two potential targets for Detroit, and just named the Memphis Grizzlies' Santi Aldama as another option.
Unfortunately, the possibility of any of those names moving to the Motor City might be a long shot.
Pistons Reportedly Out of the Running for 3 Top FA Targets
Although Fischer confirmed the Pistons' interest in Turner, Reid, and Aldama in his report on Sunday, he also added that each of the pending free agents' respective teams plan to re-sign them.
As disappointing as this development might be, it isn't surprising.
Turner is one of the best stretch centers in the Association and is in the middle of a Finals run with the Pacers. It was also only on Sunday night when NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Indiana has no intention of parting ways with the two-time league blocking champ, who's also the longest-serving Pacer on the active roster.
Meanwhile, there's no telling what Reid will do with his upcoming $15 million player option. Even if he declines it to chase a bigger pay day, all signs point to the Timberwolves being open to working out a new deal with the beloved fan favorite who was just the NBA Sixth Man of the Year last season.
As for Aldama, he was always going to be somewhat of a long shot due to his status as a restricted free agent. He's also improved with each passing year since being drafted 30th overall in 2021, so it isn't unfathomable to imagine that the Grizzlies want to see where his development takes him next.
Assuming the trio is unavailable to target next month, the Pistons could turn their attention to other UFA backcourt presences like Clint Capela, Brook Lopez, or Steven Adams. They could also chase cheaper options like Luke Kornet, Jaxson Hayes, or even a reunion with Andre Drummond. While potentially missing out on the preferred trio sucks, Detroit is lucky to have backup options.
Things can change with the flip of a switch during the NBA offseason, meaning the Pistons' chances of signing any free agent could vary day by day. Needless to say, it's going to be interesting to monitor how Detroit's summer outlook changes between now and the start of free agency on Sunday, July 6.
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