Detroit, MI

3 predictions for what Detroit Pistons will do in 2024 NBA free agency

Published

2 years ago

June 30, 2024

3 predictions for what Detroit Pistons will do in 2024 NBA free agency

Detroit Pistons enter Sunday evening and the start of 2024 NBA free agency with the second-most cap space, behind only the big-fish hunting Philadelphia 76ers.

Not many other teams are swimming in cap space, positioning the Pistons for rare flexibility to serve as a dumping ground for unwanted salary in exchange for draft capital, and/or to take shots at luring a few mid-to-lower tier free agents by outbidding other cash-strapped teams.

The NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, signed one year ago, restricts high-spending teams with numerous hard caps. Accordingly, the Pistons have already made two deals to take on salary, moving up 16 spots in the second round Thursday in exchange for taking on Wendell Moore Jr., and on Friday receiving three future second-round picks for acquiring Tim Hardaway Jr.’s overpriced contract and sending back Quentin Grimes.

With that in mind, here are some Pistons predictions for free agency, the first under new president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon:

THE PRIMER: Pistons in NBA free agency: Cap space priorities, 8 names to watch

Detroit Pistons free agency predictions

Re-sign Simone Fontecchio: The Pistons on Saturday tendered Fontecchio his $5.2 million qualifying offer, a procedural formality officially making him a restricted free agent. This allows the Pistons to match any offer sheet from another team that he signs. Although Fontecchio was acquired in February for the No. 31 pick and Gabriele Procida by the previous regime, led by Troy Weaver, he proved to be a solid addition to a Pistons team desperate for any semblance of a two-way wing. He shot 40.1% last season from 3-point range in 66 games between Utah and the Pistons. Any deal for around $15 million per year over three or four years is reasonable.
Don’t splurge on Tobias Harris or any other over 30 big name: Just because the Pistons have money to spend does not mean they should throw a gigantic bag at anyone who will take it — especially if that player is on the downside of their career. It would be a huge mistake to take on long-term salary in a trade, like Jerami Grant from Portland (four years, $132 million), or give out a mammoth three-year, $75ish million contract to a “big name” like Tobias Harris. The Pistons should focus on short-term money in any veteran trade, as they did in taking on Hardaway’s $16 million expiring salary, or shoot lower for a role player in free agency like New Orleans forward Naji Marshall, who has plenty of familiarity with Langdon, or a low-cost center like Goga Bitadze (for defense) or Moritz Wagner (for shooting). At his introductory news conference, Langdon said the Pistons would not “skip steps” — let’s see if that holds true in his debut free agency as a lead decision maker. There should be gems to find with the market potentially collapsing for solid bench players due to the CBA constraints.
Add more shooting: The Pistons once again eschewed 3-point shooting by drafting Holland. They must surround Cade Cunningham with a lights out 3-point threat. He’s currently saddled by several non-shooters in Holland, Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren or those who don’t pull away defenders (Jaden Ivey, Isaiah Stewart). The Pistons should look hard at Malik Beasley, Buddy Hield or Gary Harris, or go further down the free agent list to Luke Kennard or even Seth Curry. A one-year overpay might suffice for any of the first three names above, but a balloon payment for two years with a team option on the second year (like Indiana did with Bruce Brown Jr. last summer) would give the Pistons flexibility and greater salary matching ability to use in a future trade.

THE NEW GUY: Pistons abruptly hire J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach

When does NBA free agency start?

Free agency opens Sunday at 6 p.m. ET, with negotiations allowed between teams and all upcoming free agents. Deals can be can be signed officially starting Saturday at 12:01 p.m.

The top free agent is Paul George, with plenty of solid starters and depth pieces on the market, including James Harden, DeMar DeRozan, Klay Thompson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

Detroit Pistons 2024 free agents

The Pistons have several free agents, both unrestricted and restricted.

Simone Fontecchio, restricted (Pistons can match any offer from another team)
Chimezie Metu, unrestricted
Evan Fournier, unrestricted
James Wiseman, unrestricted
Jared Rhoden, unrestricted
Jaylen Nowell, unrestricted
Malachi Flynn, unrestricted
Stanley Umude, unrestricted
Taj Gibson, unrestricted

Make “The Pistons Pulse” your go-to Detroit Pistons podcast, available anywhere you listen to podcasts (Apple, Spotify) or watch live/on demand on YouTube.

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Detroit, MI

Large police presence for an investigation on Detroit’s west side

Published

6 hours ago

June 25, 2026

Press Room

Large police presence for an investigation on Detroit’s west side

Police had not released details about the nature of the investigation

DETROIT – A large police investigation was underway on Detroit’s west side.

Update: 7-year-old boy shot multiple times, man killed in shooting on Detroit’s west side

The scene is taking place on Wednesday (June 24) near Burgess Street, not far from Outer Drive and Fenkell Avenue.

Police had not released details about the nature of the investigation.

Multiple requests for information from the police were pending.

Local 4 photographer Sara Schulz, who is at the scene, observed officers searching the area and appeared to be looking for evidence, including possible shell casings.

The circumstances surrounding the investigation, including whether anyone was injured or whether a shooting occurred, were not immediately confirmed.

Police are expected to provide additional information as the investigation develops.

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Detroit, MI

Ilitch Companies creates gaming platform, expands beyond Detroit

Published

16 hours ago

June 24, 2026

Press Room

Ilitch Companies creates gaming platform, expands beyond Detroit

Ilitch Companies recently announced the formation of a new gaming platform with plans to purchase a casino in Mississippi and expand its ownership of a casino in New Jersey.

The new venture, called Ilitch Gaming, will oversee the company’s gaming, hospitality and entertainment businesses, the company said in a release, adding that it will build on the success of MotorCity Casino Hotel. The operation of Ilitch Gaming is awaiting regulatory approval.

Chris Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Companies, described the move as a new chapter for the company’s gaming and hospitality business. He will also serve as chairperson of Ilitch Gaming.

“My mother Marian Ilitch’s vision for MotorCity Casino Hotel and our success in Detroit over nearly three decades is the inspiration for what comes next,” Ilitch said in a statement. “The formation of Ilitch Gaming marks a defining new chapter in the evolution of our gaming and hospitality business. We remain committed to creating memorable experiences for guests, supporting responsible gaming, and serving as a positive economic force in the communities where we operate.”

Along with the launch of Ilitch Gaming, Ilitch Companies announced plans to acquire Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in D’Iberville, Mississippi, and purchase the remaining ownership stake in Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey, from Luxor Capital Group LP. Ilitch Companies has had 50% ownership interest in Ocean Casino Resort since 2021.

Both deals are subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, and each casino is expected to continue operating as usual until the transactions are completed, officials said.

“We are incredibly proud of what our team has built over the past decade and grateful for the support we have received from our guests across the Gulf Coast,” LuAnn Pappas, chief executive officer of Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, said in a statement. “We believe Ilitch Gaming shares our commitment to hospitality, service, and community, and we are confident Scarlet Pearl is positioned for continued success.”

cwilliams@detroitnews.com

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Detroit, MI

Trailblaze Detroit: Blazing New Trails while Backpacking Metro Detroit | Visit Detroit | Visit Detroit

Published

1 day ago

June 24, 2026

Press Room

Trailblaze Detroit: Blazing New Trails while Backpacking Metro Detroit | Visit Detroit | Visit Detroit

Chief Pontiac Trail markers within Kensington Metropark

Kensington Metropark is a Detroit region outdoor destination that hardly requires an introduction. With over 4,500 acres of protected recreational prowess, the Metropark receives nearly 3 million visitors each year that enjoy the following amenities:

Hiking, biking, and equestrian trails weaving through over 700 acres of forests, fields, fens, and swamps
Boating, paddling, and fishing along the Huron River and massive Kent Lake
Tee times at its 18 hole golf course
Family-friendly exhibits and events at its Nature Center and Farm Center
Playgrounds and beaches
Ultimate summer fun at “Splash ‘n’ Blast” water park

With its abundance of amenities – and impressive visitation figures – readers of this article might be surprised to have only just learned that the Chief Pontiac Trail crosses through the beloved metropark. If you fall into that camp, then know that you’re far from being alone. In fact, that sentiment is representative of one of the best aspects of the Chief Pontiac Trail experience: leading backpackers through the least-visited segments of an extremely popular metropark.

As you complete the Chief Pontiac Trail, you’ll enjoy stunning natural vistas that remain hidden from the majority of visitors to Kensington. From rolling grasslands to stunning explosions of wildflowers and dramatic ridge lines, the dramatic approach to the Huron River provides a gorgeous finale to your long morning on the trail.

The upper Huron River flowing through Kensington Metropark

A final descent to Kensington’s “Group Campground” illuminates the finish line of the Chief Pontiac trail: the Group Camp Road Bridge over the Huron River. In true Detroit fashion, there’s no glitzy sign or over-hyped fanfare waiting for you at the end of the trail. Instead, nearly 20 miles of backpacking through the heart of Metro Detroit provides you with the following rewards:

A lifetime of memories gathered in two days
Unmatched sense of accomplishment and adventure
Lasting awe and affinity towards the beauty of Metro Detroit’s outdoors
Shattered expectations regarding “Pure Michigan” trail experiences
Stunning views of the shining Huron River

Congratulations on walking in Chief Pontiac’s steps, Detroit.

We can’t wait to see you at another trailhead soon.

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Trailblaze Detroit is a multimedia series co-produced by Visit Detroit and Expedition Detroit. The core purpose of the series is to promote outdoor adventure tourism and discovery throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties, as well as highlight the Detroit region’s natural spaces, seasonal activities, hidden outdoor gems, and the individuals that support them.

Are you interested in using adventure marketing to promote your organization or business? Awesome – we’re here to help! Contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com or 734.821.6416 to learn more.

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