5 Free Agents The Pistons Should Target This Summer
By Dan Jenkins
@DanTJenkins
The Detroit Pistons already have most of their foundation in place and are banking on internal improvement going forward, rather than making more large acquisitions.
The Pistons haven't been big spenders in free agency since Stan Van Gundy took over in 2014 -- as he has opted to build through trades -- but that doesn't mean the team won't make any significant signings this summer.
Here's a look at the free agent deals SVG has given out over the past two offseasons:
- Jodie Meeks (three-year, $19.5 million contract)
- Caron Butler (two-year, $9 million contract)
- D.J. Augustin (two-year, $6 million contract)
- Cartier Martin (one-year, $1.2 million contract)
- Aaron Gray (one-year, $1.2 million contract)
- Joel Anthony (two-year, $5 million contract)
- Aron Baynes (three-year, $20 million contract)
- Reggie Jackson (five-year, $80 million extension)
The Pistons will mostly likely follow that trend of giving out smaller contracts to unrestricted free agents, as the team is set to give a franchise record $120 million max contract to Andre Drummond.
Here's a look at who the Pistons should be targeting in the coming weeks, given their fit with the team and the likelihood Detroit can afford them:
Ryan Anderson
Age: 28
Position: Power Forward
Measurements: 6-foot-10, 240 pounds
2016 stats: 17.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, .366 3P%
Ryan Anderson is a "Stan Van Gundy Guy." He flourished in Orlando with SVG at the helm, becoming one of the league's top stretch-4 players.
Van Gundy has been rumored to be seeking a reunion with the eight-year forward out of the University of California, but his asking price may be too high for the Pistons.
However, he missed some time in 2015-16 due to injury, which might drive his value down.
Anderson was one of the league's best bench players last season -- starting only seven games -- but thrived when he did start, averaging 21.4 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.
If Detroit makes a "big" splash this summer, it might be by signing Anderson. His skill set would pair perfectly with Andre Drummond in the starting lineup, allowing Marcus Morris to move to the bench and improving the second unit.
D.J. Augustin
Age: 28
Position: Point Guard
Measurements: 6-feet, 183 pounds
2016 stats: 7.5 PPG, 3.2 APG, .405 3P%
D.J. Augustin signed with the Pistons during Van Gundy's first offseason in Detroit. He was ultimately traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the deal that brought Reggie Jackson to Motown.
Augustin has been one of the more solid backup point guards in the league over the past few seasons. He even took over starting duties for the Pistons in 2014-15 after Brandon Jennings went down with a season-ending Achilles injury.
He averaged 20.3 points and 8.2 assists per game in 10 starts during Jennings' absence.
Augustin has already proved that he can play well in Van Gundy's system and could be a top target for Detroit, as the team's No. 1 need this offseason is a backup point guard.
Brandon Jennings
Age: 26
Position: Point Guard
Measurements: 6-foot-1, 169 pounds
2016 stats: 6.9 PPG, 3.2 APG, .329 3P%
As another former Pistons point guard, Brandon Jennings would fit in well with in Van Gundy's system. After returning from his Achilles injury last season, Jennings averaged 6.8 points and 3.0 assists per game off the bench with Detroit before being traded to Orlando.
Jennings and the Pistons could be seeking a reunion, but the 26-year-old may still see himself as a starting-caliber point guard in the NBA. Given his injury history he could be a starter, but it's hard to tell if an NBA would be willing to give him a long-term contract.
If Jennings does make a return to Detroit, he would bring instant offense to the Pistons' second unit as a solid backup point guard. However, he'll probably take a short-term "audition" contract with another team as a starter.
Marvin Williams
Age: 30
Position: Power Forward
Measurements: 6-foot-9, 237 pounds
2016 stats: 11.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, .402 3P%
Marvin Williams had a renaissance season in 2016. After years of not living up to his potential in Atlanta, Williams became one of the best role players in the league with the Charlotte Hornets last season.
Williams was one of the most efficient players in the NBA, while being able to play both forward positions -- something the Pistons have come to value.
The Pistons may be out of luck, though. Williams' bounce-back season almost assured that he is going to be getting a bigger contract than SVG may be willing to pay. He'll most likely be overpaid by a fringe playoff team.
Mirza Teletovic
Age: 30
Position: Power Forward
Measurements: 6-foot-9, 242 pounds
2016 stats: 12.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, .393 3P%
Mirza Teletovic's game screams "Stan Van Gundy system." The 30-year-old stretch-4 has only been in the NBA for four seasons, but has been one of the best backup forwards in the game.
His outside shooting makes him perfect for the Pistons, who could get him on a relatively small contract given he's not one of this summer's bigger names.
He's not the strongest rebounding forward, but would pair nicely with Andre Drummond or Aron Baynes, while being an upgrade over Anthony Tolliver.
Signing Teletovic to a two or three-year deal would benefit the Pistons in the short-term, while allowing 2016 first round draft pick Henry Ellenson to develop.
Who do you think the Pistons should target in free agency? Let us know by voting in our poll below!
