Detroit Pistons: Buy or sell each pending free agent

Which free agents should the Detroit Pistons sell?

John Henson

John Henson was acquired by the Pistons from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Andre Drummond. Henson actually performed quite well for the Pistons in his brief time with the team before the season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, but he doesn’t fit into the long-term plans for this team.

Brandon Knight

Also included in the Drummond deal, Brandon Knight came to town along with Henson and a 2023 second-round draft pick (the lesser of the Cavs and the Golden State Warriors, as it happens). Much like Henson, Knight played pretty well in his time with the Pistons and was an absolute flamethrower from long range, shooting 38.8 percent from 3-point range. Mind you, he’s a below-average shooter for his career with a 35.3 percent mark from behind the arc, so take that number with a grain of salt.

Neither Knight or Henson fit with the long-term picture of this team. It’s a youth movement, and the veterans that the Pistons keep around should be those who can help the team excel either on the court or off it. As newcomers who will not provide much in the term of winning impact, there simply isn’t a need for either of them in a fashion that can’t be filled more adequately elsewhere in free agency.

Justin Patton

The only player Troy Weaver has signed so far, Justin Patton doesn’t project to provide this team much. He’s played just nine games in three years, largely hampered by injuries, and he was kept out of the Pistons’ in-market bubble camp because of injuries as well. The Detroit Pistons have a team option worth $1.7 million for Patton, and there’s no reason for them to exercise it.

Jordan McRae

This is a sell. Jordan McRae was signed by the Pistons four games before the season was suspended. The 29-year-old shot 32.6 percent from the field and 18.8 percent from 3-point range on 5.9 attempts per game. There’s no reason for this relationship to proceed any further.