Detroit Pistons: Who is likely to return to this team next season?
By Duncan Smith
The Detroit Pistons took roster turnover to a new level this season. After new general manager Troy Weaver took over, he proceeded to move everybody on the roster with the exception of Sekou Doumbouya.
Even Blake Griffin, who seemed permanently anchored to the roster thanks to his giant contract and substandard performance, was moved via buyout, and the Pistons saved $13 million in the process.
The Detroit Pistons underwent a total makeover en route to a rebuilding season. Let’s look at who from this team will be expected to return next season.
Now that the team is nearing the completion of this rebuilding season, let’s run down the roster and figure out who is a lock to return next season, who is merely likely, unlikely, and won’t be back no matter what happens between now and the beginning of the 2021-22 campaign.
To begin this exercise, let’s tackle those who shall almost certainly not return next season.
Who will not be back on the Detroit Pistons roster?
Corey Joseph
Headlining the core of those who won’t be back is Cory Joseph, who the Pistons acquired via trade from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Delon Wright. This was a deal that was essentially struck in order to capitalize on Joseph’s partially guaranteed 2021-22 salary, and they got a couple of second-round picks in the deal. Joseph has been good, but the Pistons will save $10.2 million by waiving him instead of keeping him around next season.
Wayne Ellington
Wayne Ellington has done fine work this season and was dangled on the trade market, but no takers could be found. Weaver opted to keep him on the roster rather than buying him out, sending a message to teams that if they want his players, they’re going to have to do business for them. No freebies on the buyout market. Expect him to be sent on his way in free agency with the opportunity to sign with a contender.
Jahlil Okafor
Jahlil Okafor has been a fine offensive player this season, but he doesn’t give you the kind of rebounding or defensive impact you’d like from your center. He’s missed plenty of action due to an injury, but he wouldn’t have played much regardless at the same position as Mason Plumlee and Isaiah Stewart.