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Detroit Pistons: 5 dream free agency targets in 2017

By Karintha Styles

Nov 14, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) battles with Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and center DeAndre Jordan (back) for the loose ball during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Clippers won 101-96. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) battles with Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and center DeAndre Jordan (back) for the loose ball during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Clippers won 101-96. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 28, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Utah Jazz guard Gordon Hayward (20) during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Utah Jazz guard Gordon Hayward (20) during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Gordon Hayward

Utah Jazz small forward Gordon Hayward (6’8″ 226 pounds) averaged 21.9 points per game and shot 47 percent from the field. That kind of firepower added to Reggie Jackson (if he’s healthy) could do some damage in the East.

The Jazz will do their best to keep their star forward, and as Jared Woodcox mentioned on Purple and Blues earlier this week. Leaving would be hard on Hayward as well.

According to Jack Magruder of FanRag Sports Network, Kobe Bryant mentored Hayward last summer. Bryant has worked with him on everything from fundamentals to breaking down tape. Bryant has made it clear that he is willing to work with anyone who wants to get better and wants the benefit of his expertise.

"“I think his consistency and his efficiency offensively have really improved,” Utah coach Quin Snyder said. “Passing the ball. Rebounding. He’s become a better defender. That’s kind of the unspoken thing in all of this, but he has really taken it upon himself on the wing, especially late in games. Those things defensively, efficiency. He is scoring other ways. He’s shooting the ball off screens. He’s always scored in pick-and-roll and hand-offs and on the move, but I think he is getting to the line more effectively and he has become a better catch-and-shoot player.” Utah coach Quin Snyder told Jack Magruder of Sports Network."

Hayward is on the wish list for many teams this season. Realistically, the Boston Celtics look like they’re in the best position to steal him away from the Jazz.

Next: 2017 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams

Who is on your veteran wish list? If money wasn’t an issue, who would Detroit have to find a way to sign this summer? Let us know in the comments below.

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