Detroit Pistons Sharpshooter Speaks on Looming Free Agency

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At the trade deadline, the Detroit Pistons brought in an array of new faces. Among them was Simone Fontecchio, who was brought in from the Utah Jazz. Following an impressive run with his new team, Fontecchio opened up on his looming free agency.
Part of why the Pistons acquired Fontecchio when they did was to have his Bird Rights. This offseason, the 28-year-old is set to hit restricted free agency. With his Bird Rights, the Pistons now have the opportunity to match any offer sheet Fontecchio signs in free agency.
When asked about free agency this summer, Fontecchio believes he’ll be back in Detroit. He also mentioned e plans of putting in a lot of work this summer to improve in his role.
"I’m a restricted free agent, so most likely I’m going to be here,” Fontecchio said. “That’s good because being here the last two months, I understand Monty’s system and what his philosophy is and how we play. I’m definitely going to work this offseason knowing what my role is going to be."
In regards to an extension, Fontecchio is looking forward to continuing his career with the Pistons. Staying with the organization long-term is one of his biggest goals heading into the offseason.
"I’m looking forward to the future,” He continued. “I love my family, I love Detroit, I love the Pistons organization and we’re going to work this summer, everybody, towards me staying here long-term. That’s what I want, what we want."
Fontecchio played in 16 games for the Pistons this season after being traded from the Jazz. In that time, he averaged a career-high 15.4 PPG while shooting 42.6% from beyond the arc on over six attempts per game.
Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia
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