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The Detroit Pistons announced the signing of forward Cartier Martin and center Aaron Gray today. Both players are expected to be reserves, and president of basketball operations targeted both relatively early in free agency as he attempted to bolster the depth on the team.
Terms of the contracts were not disclosed, but it has previously been reported that Martin was signing for two years with a player option in his second year.
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Martin played more than 800 minutes with the Atlanta Hawks last season, and is expected to help shore up the team's 3-point shooting. He shot 39 percent from deep last season on 151 attempts with the Hawks and on a short stint with the Chicago Bulls.
For the season, Martin averaged 5.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.5 steals in 14.7 minutes per game. In a unique move, Martin was signed on the first day of free agency even though the agreement reportedly called for him to make only a league-minimum salary.
Gray, meanwhile, was limited to just 355 minutes with the Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings last season. It is expected that he will be an insurance policy as a true center measuring at 7 feet and a beefy 270 pounds. Gray attempted only 61 shots all of last season but he brings size and fouls and is expected to sit behind starter Andre Drummond and (assuming he comes back) Greg Monroe at center.
For the season, Gray averaged 1.8 points, 3 rebounds and 0.2 block in 9.6 minutes per game. Gray is believed to have signed a multi-year deal with a team option in year two.
Read the official release announcing the signings.
Lastly, the team agreed to sign these two players more than a month ago and there could be many reasons why they have decided to make those signings official right now. Could it involve the resolution of the Greg Monroe drama? I have no idea. But maybe. Check Twitter early. Check Twitter often.