In the last few weeks, the Detroit Pistons have been crowded by numerous trade rumors concerning the future of their two biggest players, former All-Star center Andre Drummond and point guard Reggie Jackson.
Another important piece to that puzzle has been veteran guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who is set to hit the free-agent market this offseason. According to Rod Beard of the Detriot News, the team has elected to extend a qualifying offer on Caldwell-Pope.
#Pistons SVG says keeping Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a priority in free agency; they've extended a qualifying offer already (about $5M).
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) June 29, 2017
The 24-year-old is coming off a productive season, averaging 13.8 points on a career-high 35 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Despite an off-the-court legal problem stemming from a one-year DUI probation sentence, the Pistons still have interest in re-signing him.
However, Detroit's desire to bring him back may be affected their decision to draft former Duke guard Luke Kennard with the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Kennard could foreseeably take over the starting role from Caldwell-Pope, making him expendable player if he signs a lucrative offer sheet in free agency from another team.
Ultimately, the qualifying offer at least gives the front office the final say on whether or not he will don a Pistons' uniform next season.
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