The Detroit Pistons have $46,971,730 in cap space available.  Deandre Ayton is rumored to be at the top of the Free Agent list.  But, are the Pistons in the market for the big man?

Since the rumors began of the former number one overall pick of the Phoenix Suns,
Deandre Ayton, being unhappy in The Valley and unlikely to be offered a max contract from the
organization, Detroit has been at the top of everyone’s list as a landing spot for the young big
man. On paper this would seem to be a fit. The Pistons lacked a paint presence last year,
ranking in the bottom six in the NBA in team rebounding. The Pistons were also the bottom half of the league in
points in the paint. Detroit was feeling the absence of a dominate big man that they have had in
the past such as; Ben Wallace, Bill Laimbeer, Rick Mahorn and even Andre Drummond.
Before free agency began in the NBA, Pistons General Manager Troy Weaver, made his
move to get the big man of the future by trading back into the first round to grab Memphis
center Jalen Duren. Duren is known for his high motor. He is an athletic big man who eats rebounds
and defends the basket. With this move Detroit has essentially taken themselves out of the race
for Deandre Ayton.

Per @CBSSports the Pistons are no longer expected to go after Deandre Ayton 👀 pic.twitter.com/Uo7JMDXRML

— Pistons Talk (@Pistons__Talk) June 25, 2022

Detroit Pistons Have Cap Options

With the largest amount of money to spend for the 2022 Summer the Pistons are still in a
position to add a free agent piece to put around their young core of rising stars. However, many
believe Ayton is not the piece Troy Weaver will open the check book for. Ayton is looking for a max
deal, totaling a whopping $131.15 Million over four years. Weaver is known for his shrewd
moves as an NBA executive and signing a center to a max contract after investing a first-round pick
into one does not fit the bill.

I believe the Pistons target a few veterans to fill the roster. Detroit will sign them
to short contracts to keep their financial flexibility alive for next year. Opening up money for Saddiq Bey. Bey is in line to sign and extension with the team.