As the Detroit Pistons struggled on a nightly basis throughout the 2023-2024 NBA season, it became clear they were likely to sell off veteran players at the trade deadline back in February.

While that was the case for the most part, the Pistons still landed a solid veteran from the Utah Jazz, who could be back for another run beyond last season.

Italy-born forward Simone Fontecchio wrapped up a two-season run with the Jazz in February. Last season, he appeared in 50 games with Utah, averaging nine points on 39 percent shooting from beyond the arc.

At the trade deadline, the Jazz moved Fontecchio to Detroit in exchange for Kevin Knox, a second-round pick, and the rights to Gabriele Procida.

Fontecchio turned out to be a steal for the Pistons, based on his small sample size with the team. Detroit continued to struggle overall, but Fontecchio was a bright spot.

In 16 games, he averaged 30 minutes on the floor and started nine outings. The veteran put up 15 points per game, while shooting 43 percent from beyond the arc.

With the 2023-2024 NBA season in the rearview, Fontecchio enters the offseason as a restricted free agent. He’ll have the opportunity to garner offers from interested suitors. If he signs an offer sheet with another team, the Pistons will be on the clock to match.

What’re the chances Fontecchio returns to Detroit for another run? The Athletic’s James Edwards is under the impression there is a high chance Fontecchio is back in Detroit next year.

“[Fontecchio] has made it very clear that he wants to return to Detroit next season. He enjoys playing with Cunningham, he enjoys the shots he gets playing alongside Cunningham and has told me that he enjoys playing in front of the Pistons’ fan base. If Fontecchio were able to, he’d sign right now, I believe.”

At the end of the 2023-2024 season, Fontecchio battled a toe injury, which recently required surgery. A team-released statement noted that Fontecchio should be good to go for training camp.

While the Pistons can’t guarantee the 28-year-old will be back at this time, it seems another team would have to price out the Pistons, which will be difficult considering they have plenty of cap space to spend this summer.

It’s no secret the Pistons should be looking to make a series of moves as they are coming off of a 14-win season. Allowing Fontecchio to walk should not be one of them.

Surrounding Cade Cunningham with proven shooters should be a priority for Detroit, and Fontecchio has proven he’s the right fit. In 118 career games, Fontecchio has knocked down 38 percent of his threes. He’s an ideal role player for this Detroit team.

WASHINGTON (WXYZ) — Vice President Kamala Harris will spend part of her day in metro Detroit on Saturday.

Harris will speak at a political event in Ann Arbor around 3:50 p.m.

She will then travel to Detroit to speak at the Michigan Democratic Party’s annual Legacy Dinner at Huntington Place.

On the latest episode of the Detroit Evening Report, we cover the grand reopening of Michigan Central Station; Detroit being selected to host innovation challenges as part of the Toyota Mobility Foundation’s Sustainable Cities Challenge; Oak Park Farmers Market reopening this month and more.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Michigan Central reopening concert

Diana Ross, Eminem and Big Sean were just a few of the big names that performed during Thursday’s grand reopening at Michigan Central Station. The party continues through June 16 as Ford welcomes the public to attend an open house at the station to see firsthand its revitalized first floor. The open house will include a bunch of exhibits, entertainment, art and more.

After this open house period, the station will begin a phased reactivation of the building over the next several months. Expect restaurants, retail shops and other commercial businesses trickling in during those months.

For more information go to michigancentral.com.

Detroit chosen to host Sustainable Cities Challenge

Detroit is among three cities around the world selected to host innovation challenges as part of the Toyota Mobility Foundation’s Sustainable Cities Challenge. The other two locations selected are Varanasi, India, and Venice, Italy.

The goal of the $9 million global initiative is to help cities accelerate toward sustainable mobility for healthier and safer environments. Detroit has put out the global beacon for innovators to transform freight in the city’s Eastern Market district.

The three locations were chosen from a pool of 150 cities from 46 countries that entered the challenge in June of 2023.
Detroit’s Eastern Market is the largest open-air market and in  the U.S. and is at the heart of Detroit’s Challenge. Detroit is looking for local and international innovators to propose bold solutions to remove Barriers to adopting clean freight technologies, reduce fossil fuel use and improve market vendor operations.

For more information about the Sustainable Cities Challenge, visit sustainablecitieschallenge.org.

City recommends reduced water usage during storms

The weather is looking a little dicey going into the weekend. Thunderstorms started on Wednesday and may last through Saturday. The city of Detroit says it has the capacity to handle the expected flows into the system. However, things could change, so city officials recommend reduced water usage during heavy rain to help relieve capacity.

The city also recommends cleaning off debris on your street leading up to drains. This will help Detroit Water and Sewerage Department crews continue to clean the city sewer system. Lastly if your basement is flooded, do not enter if the water is above electrical outlets and or the fuse box.

To check out more tips go to detroitmi.gov/basementprotection. To report flooded streets use the Improve Detroit App or call 313 267 8000.

Oak Park Farmers Market returns

The Oak Park Farmers Market will open for the season on Wednesday, June 26, running 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday through Sept. 25.

Founded in the summer of 2018, the market will be doubling in size from last year after overwhelmingly positive feedback from residents, the city reported. This year, the city is offering special Sunday Market Days to residents who aren’t available during the weekdays. Those special days are scheduled for July 21, Aug 18 and Sept. 15, from noon to 4 p.m. For more information on the Oak Park Farmers Market, please contact the oak park recreation department at 248-691-7555.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.