Pistons Cutting Ties With Veteran After Victory vs. Bulls

Not long after taking care of business on the road against the Chicago Bulls, the Detroit Pistons made a roster move to free up some space and do a favor for one of their veterans who was stashed away on the bench as of late.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pistons are finalizing a contract buyout with the veteran Mike Muscala. Once he clears waivers, he’ll be free to sign with any team.

As expected, Muscala will eye up a playoff contender. At 32 years old, the veteran role player has value to offer to a championship-hopeful squad that could use experienced depth.

Being in the NBA since 2014, the former second-round pick got his start with the Atlanta Hawks. After having some runs in the G League, Muscala landed on the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018. During his lone season in Philly, Muscala was moved to the Los Angeles Clippers, who then flipped him to the Los Angeles Lakers.

After spending half a season in LA, Muscala landed on the Oklahoma City Thunder on a two-year deal via free agency. At the trade deadline last year, Muscala was traded to the Boston Celtics. This past summer, the Celtics flipped him to the Washington Wizards.

Muscala started the 2023-2024 NBA season off as a member of the Wizards. After 24 games in DC, he was traded to the Pistons in exchange for Marvin Bagley III, Isaiah Livers, and draft considerations. Muscala was joined by Danilo Gallinari in the deal.

Both Gallinari and Muscala suited up for the Pistons, but now they have eventually found themselves on the buyout market. Gallinari hit the open market two weeks back and signed with the Milwaukee Bucks.

As for Muscala, his next destination remains unknown.

He parts ways with the Pistons after seeing the court for just 13 games. During that time, he averaged four points and two rebounds in 13 minutes.