Detroit Pistons: Who might not return with Cade Cunningham on the way
By Corey Rausch
Detroit Pistons on the chopping block: Hamidou Diallo – Gone
Brought in at the trade deadline, Hamidou Diallo is a restricted free agent this summer who was impressive during his time with the Pistons. He hit 39.0 percent of his 3-point attempts over his 20 games played. The highlight game came on May 4, 2021, with a 35-point explosion against the Charlotte Hornets.
Diallo is due for a raise and restricted free agency is a tricky beast. The cap hit of the number one overall pick makes the cap situation a little more complicated for Detroit. Furthermore, Cunningham and Diallo essentially play the same position, making committing significant financial capital for Diallo to be a reserve questionable at best.
If the price is right, Diallo will be back in Detroit. He is a Weaver favorite dating back to the pair’s time in Oklahoma City. Weaver traded for him because he believes in his potential to blossom down the line and wants to keep him as part of the core going forward.
But other executives watch the games too. Diallo has been on their radars for quite a while as one of the top recruits out of high school. There is a real chance that he is lavished with a larger offer sheet than the Pistons can afford to match.