2015 NBA Free Agency: Joel Anthony re-signs with Pistons on two-year deal

Veteran big man Joel Anthony is returning to the Detroit Pistons on a two-year, $5 million deal, according to Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press. The second year of the deal is a team option, per Ellis.

Prior to the start of free agency, Stan Van Gundy said he wanted to add a starting-caliber small forward and two reserve big men to the team. After striking out in free agency, the Pistons secured their small forward via a trade with the Phoenix Suns that brought back Marcus Morris.

Detroit plucked third-year center Aron Baynes from the San Antonio Spurs and are bringing back Anthony, who was traded to Detroit before last season for Will Bynum.

Anthony played 406 minutes with Detroit last season, averaging 1.8 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.0 block per game. He gave the Pistons solid minutes when needed, especially at the defensive end.

The Pistons roster now stands at 17 players:

PG: Reggie Jackson, Brandon Jennings, Spencer Dinwiddie

SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jodie Meeks, Darrun Hilliard, Cartier Martin

SF: Marcus Morris, Stanley Johnson, Reggie Bullock, Danny Granger

PF: Ersan Ilyasova, Anthony Tolliver, Quincy MIller

C: Andre Drummond, Aron Baynes, Joel Anthony

That means two players have to go, and they are likely to be veteran Danny Granger and developmental prospect Quincy Miller.