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The Detroit Pistons found themselves near the bottom of the league in 2021-2022. But they have already upgraded their roster thanks to the NBA Draft. Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren are projected to be stars in the league. But the Pistons are still multiple pieces away from being considered a contender. This offseason will determine if they can make any kind of run next year. And NBA Free Agency will be the key to the Pistons success.
And buckle up Pistons fans, because we have a couple of stars on this list. Role players are crucial in terms of adding depth and whatnot, but the following players are guys who can take Detroit to new heights next season.
Here are two stars the Pistons must sign in 2022 NBA Free Agency.
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2 players Pistons must sign in 2022 NBA Free Agency
Deandre Ayton has been linked to the Pistons seemingly all offseason. So it may not be shocking to see him on this list. However, he isn't the top player Detroit needs to sign anymore.
Detroit took big man Jalen Duren in the NBA Draft so their interest in Ayton has reportedly cooled off. The Pistons may opt to go in a different direction in free agency.
But Detroit shouldn't give up on Deandre Ayton. If they could sign him to a two-year deal, then it would give Duren extra time to get his feet underneath him the NBA. Ayton is arguably the best center not named Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokic in the league, so the Pistons should do what they can to sign him.
But there is a different player who can change the entire dynamic of Detroit's roster.
Miles Bridges is still expected to re-sign with the Hornets. But Detroit might be able to sweep the rug out from underneath Charlotte.
It was recently reported that the Pistons are interested in Miles Bridges, per nbaanalysis.net. And their NBA Draft results make it all the more likely that Bridges will take precedent over Ayton.
The Pistons are looking for wing players. Their backcourt consists of budding star Cade Cunningham and aforementioned 2022 draftee Jaden Ivey. Jalen Duren is capable fit in the post. Adding Miles Bridges into the fold would elevate the roster without question.
Prying him away from Charlotte will not be easy. The Hornets displayed contention ability in 2021-2022 with Bridges and LaMelo Ball leading the charge. Charlotte has intentions of keeping Bridges on the team and running it back next season. However, Bridges may see what Detroit is building and opt to sign with them. The Pistons are quickly developing into one of the most young and exciting teams in the NBA.
Bridges and Cunningham would also make for a dynamic duo of sorts.
Final thoughts
Signing both Deandre Ayton and Miles Bridges would obviously be a dream come true. Will it happen? Likely not.
But Detroit has a chance to land at least one of these stars in 2022 NBA free agency. And they need to go all in for at least one of them. Missing out on Bridges or Ayton would be extremely disappointing for a team on the verge of contention. I expect the Pistons to make a concentrated effort on signing Miles Bridges as soon as free agency begins.