The Detroit Pistons have grown into a legitimate force in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, and the upcoming offseason looms large for the future of the franchise.
While you could make the argument that the Pistons don’t necessarily need to be big spenders this offseason and should let their young core continue to grow together, there also might be an opportunity for Detroit to solidify their lineup with a productive (and still young) free-agent big man.
In a free agency prediction post at Bleacher Report, Eric Pincus laid out the argument for why Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Naz Reid should be a target of Detroit’s this offseason:
“The Pistons project to have about $24.6 million in cap space if they renounce their rights to Malik Beasley, Dennis Schröder and Tim Hardaway Jr. Assuming Jaden Ivey returns to full strength after a season-ending leg fracture, that money could go to the Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Naz Reid, who won Sixth Man of the Year last season. (…) The Pistons’ prerogative is to apply pressure with a lucrative four-year, $105.9 million contract offer,” Pincus wrote.
Reid, 25, is set to become one of the most coveted free agents on the market this offseason. While the Timberwolves can theoretically outspend other suitors and own Reid’s Bird Rights, it’s unclear whether the franchise will pony up for the talented reserve big man. After dealing Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks this offseason in large part to cut future salary off the books, it seems unlikely that Minnesota will want to invest long-term in his former backup.
Reid won the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award last season and is performing well once again for the Wolves. The Pistons currently have a Sixth Man of the Year favorite on their own roster in Malik Beasley, but he’s primed to hit free agency this offseason as well. Reid could be an interesting fit in Detroit, whether it’s coming off the bench and providing some scoring punch or entering the starting lineup next to Jalen Duren in a sizable frontcourt combo.
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Reid’s floor spacing abilities will make him an attractive free agency target, and it appears that Detroit will be one of the few teams with enough cap space to potentially lure him away from Minnesota.
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