Detroit Pistons: Who might not return with Cade Cunningham on the way

Detroit Pistons on the chopping block: Cory Joseph – Gone

The Cory Joseph decision is not an easy one. He was a solid reserve guard in his short time in Detroit and showed that he certainly has something to contribute to a team in need. His contract next season is only partially guaranteed. He has a cap hit of $12.6 million but if he is waived before August 1, 2021, he will only count for $2.4 million against the cap.

With the addition of another lead playmaker, his fit on the roster is tenuous. Combined with the cap hit of the number one overall pick and suddenly Joseph may be expendable.

This could be good for Joseph too. Plenty of contending teams showed through the run through the playoffs this season that bringing an additional experienced playmaker off the bench. Joseph is more than qualified and proved again over his short stint with the Pistons.

Over 19 games, Joseph started 11 and averaged 12.0 points, 5.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game on shooting splits of .506/.368/.878. He will have plenty of suitors should he become available. That being said, Detroit is unlikely to be the place for him moving forward. Better to stagger time for Hayes, Cunningham, Saben Lee and a cheaper veteran playmaker.