Forward struggled last season after offseason foot surgery
The Detroit Pistons are reportedly gauging the trade market for reserve forward Simone Fontecchio as it explores sign-and-trade and free agency options, according to NBA reporter Michael Scotto .
Fontecchio received a two-year, $16 million contract last offseason after a promising start to his Detroit Pistons tenure. However, the Italian sharpshooter struggled throughout last season following offseason foot surgery and never really got untracked.
He his just 33.5% from deep on three attempts per game last season. That was a far cry from the 42% and 6.3 attempts during his 16-game stint with the Pistons following a mid-season trade with the Utah Jazz .
Fontecchio was supposed to be the primary backup behind starter Tobias Harris, who could play respectable defense and be one of the team’s most reliable 3-point threats. It never really came together. By the time the playoffs rolled around, he was stuck on the bench.
The Detroit Pistons are looking to navigate some uncertain terrain as it prepares to take the next step after a promising season. Their primary offseason mission — signing Malik Beasley to a long-term deal — was thrown into chaos after it was reported that the guard is the subject of a federal investigation related to NBA gambling.
Fontecchio, on an expiring $8 million deal, is a prime asset the team can use on the trade market as it looks to either clear money off its books or to use as part of a potential sign-and-trade for another player.