While Troy Weaver and the Pistons didn't fulfill my wishes by going all in after Lonzo Ball with thier nearly 19 million in cap space, Detrot did add a highly coveted big man, brought back a familiar face at PG, and added some depth at forward during the first day of Free Agency
PF/C Kelly Olynyk 3 years - $37M (Year 3 non guaranteed)
The Pistons struck quickly by agreeing to terms with Kelly Olynyk just moments after free agency opened. The 7 footer had a career best season in 20-21 aplit between the Heat & Rockets. It was with HOU where Olynyk really took off averaging 22PPG and hitting just under 40% of his 3 point shots. His outside shooting ability should make him a better fit for the offense and open up the paint for our more athletic players like Josh Jackson and Hami DIallo to get to the rim more often. The downside is Olynyk is not known as a great defender, rebounder, or shot blocker so we may not be as strong as we were a year ago when the Plumdog was anchoring our interior defense. I personally felt that either Olynyk or Bobby Portis were the 2 free agents that were ideal fits for the Pistons scheme so i am very happy to see him land here. While Kelly's contract may be a little more expensive then most would like the voidable third year makes it much more tolerable.
GRADE: B+
PG Cory Joseph 2 years - $10M (Year 2 is a player option)
This is not a move that will excite many Piston fans but Joseph played will here after being acquired at last seasons trade deadline. The 6'4' guard quickly became a locker room favorite and a mentor to last years first rounder Killian Hayes. Cojo should settle into a role as the teams #2 PG and veteran leader for this young team. While I think we slightly overpaid him and could of got more bang for the buck with other available free agent point guards, it will be money well spent if Jospeh can help Hayes to develop into the player Pistons fan all hope he will be.
GRADE: B-
F: Trey Lyles - 2 years - $5M
I want to be totally honest here, i do not know much at all about Lyles and can't recall ever watching him play. This signing I really don't quite understand but i assume Lyles was brought in to push Sekou Doumbaya for a spot on the depth chart. I'm going to guess Pistons management favored Trey over the recently released Tyler Cook becasue Lyles is a much better outside shooter and will help space the floor. I'm hoping his 2nd year is voidable but haven't been able to confirm it at this time.
GRADE: C
