2021 Pistons Free Agency Tracker
Detroit Pistons general manger Troy Weaver was not shy in the 2020 NBA off-season, "unloading his clip" and turning a roster completely upside down. Weaver was not shy out of the gate for 2021 NBA Free Agency either, making a flurry of deals within the first three hours of Free Agency opening. Let's recap what has gone on for the Pistons.
Big Man Kelly Olynyk Signs a Three-Year $37 Deal
One thing that the Pistons lacked last season was floor-spacing, especially at the center position, and that is exactly what Olynyk brings. A career 36.7 percent career three-point shooter, Olynyk should be able to supply stretchability and floor spacing off the bench for head coach Dwane Casey. Olynyk’s third year has a team option.
https://palaceofpistons.com/2021/08/02/report-kelly-olynyk-has-agreed-to-a-three-year-37m-deal-with-the-detroit-pistons/
Trey Lyles Signs Two-Year, $5 Million Deal
Lyles has yet to do much in his six-year NBA career. However, the former 12th pick in the 2015 NBA draft is only 25-years-old. At 6'9", Lyles is another guy who can stretch the floor, as he is a career 34.1 percent three-point shooter. Only averaging 7.3 points and 3.4 rebounds in 17.9 minutes per game in his career, Lyles is a bit unproven, but is a low-risk, high-reward signing for Weaver.
https://palaceofpistons.com/2021/08/02/report-pistons-agree-to-free-agent-deal-with-trey-lyles/
Cory Jospeh Re-Signs for Two-Years, $10 Million
Just over 24 hours after being waived by the Pistons, point guard Cory Joseph re-signed on a cap friendly two-year deal, with the second year being a player option. Joseph was a viable option at the one for Detroit in his 19 games in the Motor City, post trade. In 26 minutes a night, Joseph averaged 12 points and 5.5 assists on 50.6/38.8/87.8 shooting splits. At 29-years-old, Joseph is predicted to back-up Killian Hayes for the 2021-22 season.
Restricted Free Agent Saben Lee Re-Signs
After a few days of no news on the Pistons front, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported today that the Pistons and restricted Free Agent point guard Saben Lee agreed to a three-year deal. The details of the contract have yet to be announced. The former 38th pick of the 2020 NBA draft showed promise in his rookie campaign, averaging 5.6 points and 3.6 assists in 16.3 minutes a game. Lee is set to suit up for Detroit's Summer League team, backing up 2020 first-round pick Killian Hayes. Summer League is set to begin August 8.
https://palaceofpistons.com/2021/08/04/report-restricted-free-agent-saben-lee-returning-to-pistons-on-a-three-year-deal/
https://palaceofpistons.com/2021/08/02/report-pistons-bring-back-cory-joseph-on-two-year-10-million-deal/
Sharpshooter Frank Jackson Re-Signs on Two-Year Deal
Weaver made another necessary move in bringing back sharpshooting guard Frank Jackson on a two-year deal. The details of the contract have yet to be made public to media, however Jackson will be back in the Motor City for the 2021-22 season, his second season in Detroit. Jackson was signed to a two-way deal in the 2020 offseason after being let go by the New Orleans Pelicans. The third-year guard from Duke appeared in 40 of Detroit's 72 games last season, averaging 9.8 points on 45.7/40.7/81.3 shooting splits in 18.5 minutes a night.
Veteran Wing McGruder Re-Signs for Minimum
The Detroit Pistons re-signed veteran wing Rodney McGruder to a one-year deal worth the leagues veteran minimum. McGruder was waived by Detroit last week, to open up cap space, as his deal was not guaranteed. By bringing back McGruder, Detroit has added another veteran presence to the young locker room. He will be entering his sixth NBA season.
https://palaceofpistons.com/2021/08/11/report-detroit-re-signs-mcgruder/
https://palaceofpistons.com/2021/08/09/report-pistons-re-sign-guard-frank-jackson-to-two-year-deal/
Continue to stay tuned to @PalaceOfPistons on Twitter and palaceofpistons.com for updated free agency news.
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