The Detroit Pistons are planning to have their G League affiliate in Detroit and bring the developmental squad closer to the main team.
Wayne State University has approved the plan to construct a new basketball arena on the edge of the campus. The new facility — which will be funded by the University and the Pistons — will be used by Wayne State, while the Detroit team plans to use it for minor league games and player development.
The construction of the arena is said to be worth $25 million.
It's official: Wayne State will construct a new basketball arena and the #Pistons will bring their G-League affiliate to Detroit.
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) May 1, 2019
The Pistons' current G league affiliate are the Grand Rapids Drive, who are situated at Walker, Michigan. Unfortunately, the team are reportedly not interested in relocating to Detroit if the plan pushes through.
“This team has been community-built and supported for 5 seasons, and we are looking forward to continuing the growth of the franchise here in West Michigan,” the Drive said in a statement, per Steve Kaminski of mlive.com.
“We have no plans on relocating to Detroit, but continue to have great communication and a positive relationship with the Pistons organization. We are solely focused on our sixth season this upcoming fall, in partnership with the Detroit Pistons and the NBA.”
It remains to be seen if Detroit will create a new G League team or if they will hold discussions with the Grand Rapids. However, with the NBA pushing for all teams to have a G league affiliate, the Pistons will surely do everything to have their own development team in Motor City.
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