The Detroit Pistons made a flurry of transactions on Tuesday with their own players just before free agency begins on Thursday.
The Pistons have picked up Hamidou Diallo’s ($5.2 million) team option, and have declined team options on Frank Jackson ($3.2 million), Carsen Edwards ($1.8 million) and Luka Garza ($1.6 million), according to a league source.
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Then later Tuesday, the Pistons traded with the Knicks, acquiring center Nerlens Noel and guard Alec Burks along with two second-round picks and cash. The team also extended the qualifying offer for forward/center Marvin Bagley III, making him a restricted free agent.
After putting together arguably the best season of his career, Diallo has been given an opportunity to build on it. He started a career-high 29 games last year and averaged 11.0. points and 4.8 rebounds. He was arguably the most athletic player on the roster and he thrived as an energy producer.
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Jackson arrived in Detroit before the 2020-21 season on a two-way contract, and worked his way into the rotation by shooting 40.7% from 3. But he struggled with injuries last season, missing 29 games, and his outside shooting slumped to 30.8%.
The 55th pick of the 2021 NBA draft, Garza appeared in 32 games and put together some memorable performances, including a 20-point, 14-rebound double-double to help lead the shorthanded Pistons over the San Antonio Spurs on New Year’s Day.
Edwards, the 33rd pick of the 2019 draft, signed a two-year contract with the Pistons on April 3 and appeared in four games.
Additionally, the Pistons will go into next season with Braxton Key, who they signed last season, and Buddy Boeheim on two-way contracts. Jamorko Pickett is no longer on a two-way contract.
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