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NBA Free Agency: Grading all 30 teams on signings and trades

By Josh Cornelissen

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors waves to his family during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Amalie Arena on January 29, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 29: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors waves to his family during a game against the Sacramento Kings at Amalie Arena on January 29, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. /
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NBA Free Agency
NBA free agency Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images /

2021 NBA Free Agency Grades: Detroit Pistons

Key Additions: Kelly Olynyk (3-yr, $37 million); Trey Lyles (2-yr, $5 million)

Brought Back: Cory Joseph (2-yr, $10 million); Saben Lee (3-yr, undisclosed)

Key Departures: Mason Plumlee (trade to Charlotte)

This offseason for the Detroit Pistons was about the player they would take first overall, Cade Cunningham, and then how to build around him. With three first-round picks from a season ago all looking to figure prominently in their plans, the Pistons went out and found pieces that would help them all develop.

There is no better environment for a player to develop than a spaced-out floor, and the Pistons cleared out cap space to sign Kelly Olynyk, one of the league’s best stretch-5s while not being a sieve on defense. The Pistons also brought back veteran guard Cory Joseph, a solid decision to give Killian Hayes and Cade Cunningham an old-hat ball handler to learn from.

The deal for Trey Lyles makes less sense; he has shown he isn’t going to be an impact player in the league, and a rebuilding team like the Pistons could have used the slot on a flier who could develop into something down the road. Finally, Saben Lee was an intriguing point guard prospect that they keep around for another three seasons to see what he becomes.

Grade: B

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