Detroit Pistons Rival Could Throw Big Money at Five-Time All-Star

The Detroit Pistons' rival could land a notable player this offseason.

Jan 18, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) passes | D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

This summer, the Detroit Pistons are projected to be among the biggest spenders in free agency. That said, recent reports suggest an Eastern Conference rival is preparing to throw big money at an interesting name on the market.

Among the many players to be an unrestricted free agent this summer is Klay Thompson. After being unable to work out an extension with the Golden State Warriors, the former All-Star will hit the open market.

Thompson’s struggles this season were a major topic early in the year, but he’s managed to bounce back some. Since the All-Star break, he is averaging 18.6 PPG and shooting 41% from beyond the arc.

In a recent story for The Athletic, Tim Kawakami stated the Orlando Magic are a possible suitor for Thompson. Similar to the Pistons, they will have a sizable amount of cap space this summer as well.

“One of the worst-kept secrets in the league is that Orlando, loaded with young talent but not with shooters, might offer Klay a ton of money next summer.”

If Thompson does plan on testing the market, the Pistons should be a team to enter the fray. Armed with money to spend, he is the kind of veteran who could help a young group turn the corner.

For starters, Thompson is the ideal guard to pair with Cade Cunningham. He doesn’t command the ball much, and is a high-volume three-pointer shooter. Having a shooter with that kind of gravity on the floor would greatly open the floor for the former No. 1 pick.

Thompson was a key part of a dynasty at his peak. While he isn’t the player he once was, he could still be impactful on and off the court for a team like the Pistons.