The Detroit Pistons took a step backward after finishing eighth in the Eastern Conference a year ago.
They missed the playoffs, finishing 10th in the conference with a 37-45 record. They will need to make some moves in free agency if they hope to keep up with the rest of the up-and-coming teams in the East. But first, they need to decide what to do with their own free agents:
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG, Restricted)
Caldwell-Pope is by far the Pistons’ most important free agent this offseason, and the team has spoken publicly that they want to retain their starting shooting guard.
KCP averaged 13.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 steals over 33.3 minutes per game. The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly interested in giving the 24-year-old a hefty contract with the near-unlimited cap space they have. This could be a problem for Detroit if they are unable to match any large offers from Brooklyn or any other team.
Aron Baynes (C, Unrestricted)
Baynes was utilized as the backup for Andre Drummond this season, but didn’t produce much off Detroit’s bench.
Baynes averaged 4.9 points and 4.4 rebounds over 15.5 minutes per contest this year. Baynes opted out of his contract and plans to test the market. His days in Detroit are likely over.
Beno Udrih (PG/SG, Unrestricted)
Detroit is Beno Udrih’s eighth NBA team he has played with in his 16-year career.
Udrih averaged 5.8 points and 3.4 assists over 14.4 minutes per game as a reserve guard for Detroit this season. Udrih sits behind Reggie Jackson and Ish Smith on the point guard totem pole but is a valuable veteran that should be able to land elsewhere to find a true backup role.
Reggie Bullock (SG, Restricted)
Bullock has already played with four different teams in his five-year career.
Bullock was rarely used in Stan Van Gundy’s rotations this season, averaging just 4.5 points in 31 games played. Bullock has been suspended for the first five games of the 2017-18 season after violating the league’s anti-drug policy. His off-court issues may deter teams from sending him an offer sheet.
