3 early Pistons NBA free agency targets in 2024 offseason

Pascal Siakam would be a dream addition for Detroit. He is a two-time All-Star power forward who has proven to be an effective all-around player.

The 30-year-old is a high-caliber player with championship experience, two keys to unlocking this Pistons’ young core. Siakam averaged 21.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists this season. He shot at a 53.6 percent clip and 34.6 percent from distance.

Siakam would also fill Detroit’s biggest need, which is power forward. He would fit well in a pick-and-roll with Cunningham and create a formidable frontcourt alongside Duren.

Siakam could be tough to steal from the Indiana Pacers, who acquired him via trade at the deadline. However, the Pistons have the cap space and should make a push to sign the two-time All-NBA forward.

Tobias Harris

Tobias Harris is a former Piston whom they should consider bringing back. Harris spent two and a half seasons with Detroit and was an impactful player. He is another player who could provide veteran leadership and play at a high level.

For the Philadelphia 76ers this season, Harris has averaged 17.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists. He is shooting 48.7 percent from the field and 35.3 percent from behind the arc.

Harris is a solid two-way player who could be a leader for this young Pistons roster. While they would likely have to overpay for him, it could be worth it to develop the team.

Kyle Anderson

Although Kyle Anderson isn’t the same caliber player as Siakam or Harris, he could be the veteran addition the Pistons need. He is a quality role player with plenty of experience, having played 10 seasons in the NBA. He averaged 6.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists across 78 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves this 2023-24.

The 30-year-old forward is a quality defender and a solid all-around offensive player. While Anderson may not seem like an ideal target, his veteran leadership and defense could be crucial for their young roster.

Looking at the Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets, they prioritized adding veterans in the 2023 offseason.

For Orlando, they added forward Joe Ingles, who was impactful as a leader in the locker room and on the floor. Ingles was third on their roster in plus-minus at +151. His presence helped the young core grow, which led to the Magic finishing as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference.

Houston took a similar route, adding Fred VanVleet and Jeff Green as veterans. While the Rockets missed out on the playoffs, they improved from a 22-win team in the 2022-23 season to a 41-win team this campaign.

The Pistons should take a similar route this offseason to unlock their young talent. Siakam, Harris and Anderson provide options to fill that role at different tiers. Siakam would be an All-Star caliber player, Harris would be a high-end starter, and Anderson would be a solid role player.

However, their true value would lie in getting the best out of Cunningham and the other young players.