The Detroit Piston’s season has come to a dramatic end, with a heartbreaking loss to the New York Knicks. The final series results were a 4-2 series. All in a all the season was a success improving 30 games in the win column from last year. Next, we will look at compelling story lines to keep an eye on as they head into a very pivotal off-season.

Power Forward Position

Tobias Harris did a masterful job of providing floor spacing, defensive versatility and leadership to the group. With that being said, the Pistons could use a younger more athletic stretch four option to bolster Detroit’s front line. Ideally Tobias would be a nice option off the bench, with hi still having the ability to start if need be. He is entering the final year on his 2 year $25 million contract. Detroit has various young 4 guard archetypes such as Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland, and Bobbi Klintman already on the team, but they could look externally to find an immediate predecessor to Harris.

What do they do with Jaden Ivey?

At parts of the season the Pistons lacked offensive punch in the backcourt. Tim Hardaway and Malik Beasley did a serviceable job as outside shooters for the most part, but the “IF” factor of where the team would’ve been with the insertion of a healthy Jaden Ivey was always thrown around. Ivey was well on his way to a career year before his devastating leg injury. Detroit has picked up the club option for $10 million, but the uncertainty of him and Cade’s compatibility could be an influence on what they choose to do moving forward.

Resign Dennis Shroeder??

Shroeder was a major upgrade at the guard position. He made an immediate impact on the stability of the offense post trade deadline. Shroeder would continue that success into the Postseason playing meaningful minutes during the NBA playoffs. He is getting up in age and may be seeking his last opportunity to get a nice bag. The Pistons would like to retain him, but he may be persuaded by a team looking for a starting point guard that could possibly sway him with the right offer.

Detroit’s first order of business will be securing Malik Beasley who will be seeking a long term deal and a sizable pay raise. All things he should be willing to work with the team. Not only did he essentially beg to not be traded at the deadline, but considering how the post season concluded he should be very motivated to redeem himself after a shaky series vs. New York. The Pistons will have around 28 million to work with this offseason. Their First Round pick finally conveys this year due to them making the playoffs so they will be left with only the 37th Overall Selection if they don’t elect to trade into the first somehow. The future is bright for many years to come their main core has officially been set. Detroit has the 5th youngest team currently and the 4th highest available cap space going in to the 2025 season.

Top Free Agent Targets

• Julius Randle
• Myles Turner
• Naz Reid
• Bobby Portis
• John Collins