So much for free agency gamesmanship. Making good on his word before last season tipped off, Andre Drummond agreed to a five-year, max-level contract with the Detroit Pistons just shortly after the player-movement period began.
ESPN sources say Andre Drummond's five-year, $130 million max deal with Detroit, meanwhile, is done. Player option for Drummond after Year 4
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 1, 2016
The 22-year-old big man had the opportunity to ink an extension with Detroit prior to a November 2 deadline, but opted against doing so in hopes of securing his team extra room below the salary cap come July. Mission accomplished. Don’t be surprised by Drummond waiting to put pen to paper until after the Pistons sign a couple exterior free agents; it’s all part of the plan he and the front office agreed to last fall. Stan Van Gundy and company are able to exceed the salary cap with the first-time All-Star’s mammoth new deal because they possess his full Bird Rights.
Who might Detroit go after with the extra flexibility afforded by Drummond’s patience? Ish Smith is already headed to the Motor City to fill a gaping void at point guard behind Reggie Jackson; the next move might be signing a stretchy big man who can provide some more scoring punch off the bench.
Will those guys and perhaps another non-splashy signing ultimately make the difference between the Pistons contending for titles? Probably. But every little bit helps a young, hungry team reach that level, and with a player of Drummond’s established caliber and long-term potential in the fold, Detroit seems well on its way to doing just that.
