Darrun Hilliard signs with San Antonio Spurs

Former Detroit Piston shooting guard Darrun Hilliard has been traded twice, released once, won a gold medal, and now he’s joining the most prestigious franchise in the NBA — not bad for one offseason.

Coming off of a strong showing with gold medal winning Team USA in the FIBA Americup, Hilliard signed a two-way contract with the San Antonio Spurs.

Hilliard, who was not in the Pistons’ future plans was traded to the Houston Rockets and then flipped to the Los Angeles Clippers as a part of the Chris Paul blockbuster. The Clippers then released him before his contract for the 2017-18 season became guaranteed.

Hilliard remained focused, however, and led Team USA in scoring at Americup, averaging 13.4 points per game.

As a two-way player Hilliard can spend up to 45 days with the Spurs without counting against the team’s 15-man roster. For every day he spends in San Antonio he earns an NBA minimum salary. For any time spend with San Antonio’s G-League affiliate the Austin Spurs he will make up to the maximum G League salary of $75,000.

Hilliard showed promise as a rookie with the Pistons, but never really showed development last season. With the signing of Langston Galloway and the drafting of Luke Kennard, the Pistons didn’t really have a spot for him.

I’m sure no Pistons fans lost sleep over the decision to move on from Hilliard, but at the same time if there is one franchise that is going to make you stop and have second thoughts it’s got to be the Spurs.

However, to that I have four words for you — NBA champion Austin Daye.