Even though NBA free agency is still a couple of months away, there’s already much talk about the plans of the Detroit Pistons.
However, it’s all speculation at this point because the Pistons haven’t even appointed a decision-maker yet. Their search for a new president of basketball operations has just begun, and whoever fills that role will face immediate, significant choices, including whether to retain GM Troy Weaver and head coach Monty Williams. With the NBA Draft Lottery and Draft looming, time is of the essence.
The Pistons are expected to have the most cap space this summer, leading many to believe they’ll target free agent Tobias Harris. Despite being past his prime, Harris remains a solid player in a position of need, particularly given his connections to Detroit.
Speculation intensified recently when a Philadelphia sports writer suggested that Harris could become the scapegoat if the 76ers fail in the playoffs and that Detroit might be a probable destination for him afterward.
However, all of this conjecture is moot until the 76ers finish their postseason campaign, and Detroit establishes its leadership. Nonetheless, the playoff performance of the 76ers could have implications for the Pistons.
The crucial question isn’t whether the Pistons could pursue Harris but whether they should. At 32 years old by next season, Harris’s performance has been inconsistent, particularly in catch-and-shoot situations. Whether he’s worth signing will heavily depend on his contract demands, considering he’s currently paid as a second option despite not performing at that level anymore.
While Harris is undoubtedly a skilled player, the Pistons must weigh the cost-effectiveness of signing him, especially compared to previous options like Bojan Bogdanovic, who was a more economical choice. Harris alone may not be sufficient to elevate the team unless they also secure a star player to complement him.
