What the Detroit Pistons need to do with Christian Wood in free agency

No matter what decision the Pistons make, it’s important to come up with a clear plan for the future.

The lack of realistic sign-and-trade options may sound discouraging but, in reality, it simplifies the decision-making process.

Simplifying the decision-making process is a good thing for Detroit given that they have a new, first-time general manager in Troy Weaver.

Fair or not, this decision will help define Weaver’s vision for the future immediately.

If Detroit sees Wood as a valuable piece to the future, they’re likely to be able to agree to a deal in what should be a slow market. If they view him as a viable developmental tool for their young backcourt, the two parties could sign a short-term deal. And if they don’t want to spend much money on an individual player this offseason, the Pistons can simply stand pat and hoard cap space to take on multiple bad contracts in return for assets.

None of these options are bad. But it’s important for Detroit to take a clear stance and quickly develop a plan for its future.

If the decision regarding Christian Wood’s free agency doesn’t follow with moves consistent with that vision, Troy Weaver’s beginning to his Pistons tenure will be off to a rocky start.