:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/34785853/113480974.0.jpg)
If you've been pining for the Pistons to chase one of the top free agents in this year's class, you'd be disappointed by Stan Van Gundy's comments about the team's offseason plan yesterday.
But if you've been longing for a cost-effective, value-driven approach...
Van Gundy emphasized that the team will likely look to spread their available cap space around this summer, targeting mostly value players over the big names. The emphasis will be on mid-level salaries in the $5-6 million range rather than one player who would take up the bulk of the available cap space.
He said, "Even at $13.5 million, with what's on the list, we think spending that kind of money on one guy, and leaving all the other things for minimum guys, based on who's on the list, we think that would be a mistake."
The Pistons will likely be shopping for wings with skills that fit needs - presumably shooting. Van Gundy pointed to shooting guard and small forward as thin spots in the roster, with only Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Singler holding down the spots. (Luigi Datome wasn't mentioned, but may have slipped his mind or been omitted as he was not a rotation player last year.)
So it would sound as though the Pistons are not interested in getting in on the LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes, and not even likely in the running for the likes of Lance Stephenson, Gordon Hayward, or Chandler Parsons. Even Luol Deng or Trevor Ariza may be outside of the range Van Gundy is looking to spend.
However one name that makes plenty of sense is Anthony Morrow, who Sean_Corp covered earlier. Some others to keep in mind may include Jimmer Fredette, Avery Bradley, C.J. Miles, Jordan Hamilton, Jodie Meeks, P.J. Tucker, Wesley Johnson, or Thabo Sefolosha.
While these names might not be as exciting, they fit The Drummond Contender nicely. For the most part, they complement the existing personnel nicely and aren't likely to be a cause for regret down the road.
Check out SB Nation's list of the top free agents available and offer your favorite under-the-radar targets in the comments.