Following the trade deadline, the Detroit Pistons found themselves with 19 players on their roster, exceeding the NBA’s limit of 15 players per team. It became evident that roster cuts were necessary.
In a swift series of moves, Detroit waived Killian Hayes, Joe Harris, Ryan Arcidiacono, and Danuel House. Later that evening, they also waived Danilo Gallinari. These transactions reduced the Pistons’ active roster to just 14 players.
It’s probable that Troy Weaver will acknowledge the efforts of players such as Jared Rhoden or Stanley Umude for their contributions to the Cruise and their strong performances against Sacramento. The Pistons have recently signed Tosan Evbuomwan to a 10-day contract. Given Weaver’s inclination toward reclamation projects, there is speculation about the Pistons potentially exploring the buyout market. If they decide to do so, who might they consider targeting?
Possible Detroit Pistons buyout options
James Bouknight, 6’5 SG, 23
The first player on this list is perhaps the most promising in terms of talent. James Bouknight, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, is only 23 years old. He was selected in the lottery by the Charlotte Hornets just three years ago but never really had the opportunity to showcase his skills with the team.
Bouknight was buried on Charlotte’s depth chart behind players like Miles Bridges, Leaky Black, Brandon Miller, and recent acquisition Grant Williams. Even in college, Bouknight was known more for scoring than for his shooting ability. He averaged 23 points per game in his final year at UConn but only shot 32 percent from three-point range during his two college seasons.
During his time with the Hornets last season, Bouknight averaged 5.6 points with an effective field goal percentage of 44 percent in 14 minutes per game. This season, his playing time has dropped to just 5.8 minutes per game, but his three-point shooting has improved to an impressive 43 percent, albeit on just 2.1 attempts per game.
It’s unlikely that Bouknight would surpass Troy Brown Jr., who is only a year older but shoots much better (37 percent from three this season, 58 percent effective field goal percentage). However, Detroit could consider taking a chance on Bouknight instead of someone like 27-year-old Shake Milton, who is shooting just 26 percent from deep this year. It’s important to note that Detroit’s defense would likely suffer if they choose Bouknight, as he currently has a defensive rating well below the league average.
Chimezie Metu, 6’9 PF/C, 26
While adding Chimezie Metu wouldn’t transform the Detroit Pistons into a defensive powerhouse, he also wouldn’t negatively impact their defense. Standing at 6-foot-9 and only 26 years old, Metu was recently included in the Royce O’Neal deal that sent him to the Memphis Grizzlies.
After spending just one season in Phoenix, Metu averaged five points, three rebounds, and shot 30 percent from three-point range. Despite starting five games at the center position for the Suns, he only played an average of 12 minutes per game. Detroit currently has an open roster spot at the third power forward position, and given Metu’s size and above-average defensive rating of 113, there may be an opportunity for him to earn minutes.
During his most productive season with the Sacramento Kings, Metu averaged 9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and almost 1.5 steals/blocks per game. However, his playing time was halved the following season, leading to a decline in his production.
Furkan Korkmaz, 6’7 SG, 26
Korkmaz was previously a dependable rotation player for the 76ers a few years ago. Philadelphia valued him highly, as evidenced by their repeated denial of Korkmaz’s trade requests over multiple seasons. However, during this recent trade deadline, they included the 6-foot-7 wing in the deal that sent Buddy Hield to the Pacers. Subsequently, he was swiftly waived, making him available as a potential buyout signing candidate.
With his size, Korkmaz can effectively play as a small forward or as a power forward. Despite his past role as a bench player, his overall statistics are currently quite modest, as he has fallen out of the rotation for Philadelphia. This season, he has averaged 2.5 points, 0.9 rebounds, and just 0.4 assists per game for the Sixers. Nonetheless, he has maintained a 35 percent shooting accuracy from beyond the arc, and in the previous season, he was nearly hitting 40 percent. Although his shooting potential remains, even at 35 percent, it is not exceptional.
Once again, Detroit has a vacant power forward position behind Isaiah Stewart and Ausar Thompson, both of whom can also play other positions, creating an even larger opportunity for Korkmaz.
Bonus: Andre Drummond, 6’11 C, 30
Drummond is an additional consideration as he is not currently part of the buyout market. Rumors before the deadline suggested that Chicago was seeking multiple second-round picks or even a first-round pick for the former Pistons draft pick. However, this was likely more speculation than reality, as giving up multiple second-round picks for Drummond would have been excessive, and surrendering a first-round pick would have been unwise.
If Andre Drummond is waived by Chicago, Detroit should consider a reunion. He would fit well as the second or third center off the bench, providing the Pistons with rebounding and defense they currently lack. Drummond is averaging eight points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals/blocks per game. Only Jalen Duren has more rebounds per game than Drummond. Additionally, Drummond has a career defensive rating of 100, compared to the league average of 116, which would make Detroit a more balanced team.
Drummond is the only player on this list that I would recommend signing, due to his ability to address Detroit’s need for a rim protector. However, since he has not yet been waived by the Bulls, we will have to wait and see.
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