The Detroit Pistons’ biggest long-term roster question is at power forward, where they only have Tobias Harris on an expiring contract. The Pistons would love to line up his replacement and may get a chance depending on how the Tari Eason situation plays out in Houston.
I loved Eason coming out of college and he's a guy who could blossom in the right situation.
As of right now, Ron Holland II would be the backup power forward, which isn’t ideal, though he has reportedly (by him) already put on some muscle this summer, so he may be better equipped to handle the job.
The Pistons have plenty of options with Harris, including bringing back in a lesser role. He’s been a solid player who leads by example and brings consistency. But his expiring deal could also be used in a big trade, so Harris’ future with the Pistons is not set in stone.
They need a younger long-term option either way and there is a situation brewing in Houston that Detroit should be monitoring.
Much like with Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren, the Rockets have until near the end of October to extend Eason or he will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season.
Also, like Ivey and Duren, there could be a disconnect between what Eason wants and what the Rockets are willing to offer, which opens the door a crack for the Pistons.
Detroit Pistons trade rumors: Tari Eason could be a long-term solution
Much like the Pistons, the Rockets have tough decisions to make when it comes to rewarding young players with contracts.
Both teams also have a Thompson Twin due for a potentially huge extension next summer that they have to consider, which makes it tougher to reward Ivey and Eason.
Eason played very well in a bench role last season, a role that could be diminished after the Rockets traded for Kevin Durant. KD’s minutes have to come from somewhere and Eason could see his role shrink.
There’s also the financial side, as the Rockets are paying $54 million to Durant next season and just rewarded Jabari Smith Jr. with a fat extension, so that’s a lot of money tied up in one position.
Who knows, maybe the Rockets see Durant as a one-off in which case they don’t have to worry about it and can just pay Eason in restricted free agency, but if they plan to extend Durant, it becomes more difficult, even if he takes slightly less in salary.
The Pistons could swoop in with an offer and remove this problem for the Rockets, though there are obviously questions about what they would have to give up and what Eason’s next deal is going to look like.
But if Eason fancies himself a starter and wants to get paid like one, that’s not likely to happen soon on the Rockets, so he may push to relocate to a team that has a bigger role for him in the future.