2021 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
By Duncan Smith
Kelly Olynyk – 3 years, $37 million (Detroit Pistons)
The Detroit Pistons got on the NBA free agency board by signing Kelly Olynyk to a three-year, $37 million deal. The Pistons freed up this space thanks to a draft-day trade of Mason Plumlee and the 37th overall pick for the 57th pick; an effective salary dump.
Olynyk represents a significant offensive upgrade from Plumlee and could be an outstanding partner on the offensive end for first overall draft pick Cade Cunningham. His pick and roll playmaking skills may unleash Olynyk, and on a roster now loaded with capable-to-excellent defenders, Olynyk’s deficiencies on that end may not seem so glaring.
He had a middling run with the Miami Heat to start last season before being traded to the Houston Rockets where he flourished. In the 24 games after the trade, Olynyk averaged 19.0 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game with shooting splits of 55-39-84. These numbers may not be replicable, but if the Pistons get even a toned-down version of this output they should be pleased.
Grade: B
Cory Joseph – 2 years, $10 million (Detroit Pistons)
It was obvious from the moment that Cory Joseph was acquired from the Sacramento Kings via trade that the Pistons would be waiving him, but they ended up re-signing him anyway. Only $2.4 million of his $12.6 million salary this year was guaranteed, so they still end up saving about $5 million this year in the end.
Grade: C+
Trey Lyles – 2 years, $10 million (Detroit Pistons)
It wouldn’t be a Troy Weaver offseason if we didn’t get one really perplexing move, but one isn’t bad all things considered. Trey Lyles played 23 games last season for the Spurs and averaged 5.0 points in 15.6 minutes per game. Also, apparently, he hates the city of Detroit. This man can likely expect to get Camby’d by Pistons Twitter at some point this season, at least until he proves Weaver right and redeems himself.