Dennis Schroder played steady rotation minutes after being acquired by the Pistons at the trade deadline. Re-signing the veteran point guard could be a tricky proposition, Keith Langlois of Pistons.com notes.
Schroder was needed to fortify the backcourt after Jaden Ivey suffered a fractured fibula at the start of the New Year. Ivey should be 100 percent by training camp and the Pistons have prioritized re-signing sixth man Malik Beasley , one of the league’s premier 3-point shooters. The Pistons will have to determine whether there’s enough of a role for Schroder to warrant the contract he figures to command.
We have more on the Pistons:
- In his latest mailbag, The Athletic’s Hunter Patterson expresses doubt that the Pistons are eager to get into the first round via trade. The Pistons conveyed their first-round pick to Minnesota to fulfill a prior obligation. Patterson believes the front office is content with their early second rounder at No. 37. Patterson also anticipates the front office will look to add a power forward in free agency, perhaps Naz Reid or Santi Aldama .
- Prioritizing continuity in free agency and taking the long view on extensions for Ivey and Jalen Duren would make for a successful offseason, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press writes. Schroder, Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Paul Reed are all candidates to be re-signed, depending on the market. The Pistons could wait on extensions for Ivey and/or Duren until they reach restricted free agency next summer.
- A letter from owner Tom Gores was posted on the team’s website, expressing gratitude to the fans and praising the players, coach J.B. Bickerstaff and lead executive Trajan Langdon. He pledged the organization will continue to build off its surprising success. “I promise our urgency will not stop. Our players and coaching staff are focused on continuing our positive momentum,” Gores wrote. “Trajan and his team will act with urgency to strengthen our roster. And I will continue to ensure this organization has the necessary resources to succeed. I believe in what we’re building. I’m excited about this journey and hope you will stick with us as we continue to build on this foundation for success. I look forward to seeing you next season.”