Yesterday was not a good day for fans hoping the Pistons would make a big splash in free agency. Philadelphia's surprise signing of Elton Brand allowed Golden State (who had been pursuing Brand) to land Corey Maggette for 5 years, $50 million. Consider that pipe dream over.Another of Detroit's more attractive free agent options, Mickael Pietrus, signed a 4-year deal with Orlando worth around $24 million. This one stings a little bit considering Detroit probably could have inked Pietrus for the same price, and he instead will come off the bench for a conference foe.
It also appears that James Jones will soon be off the market. The Miami Heat offered him a 5-year contract starting at $4 million per season. Although Jones has not agreed to the offer yet, he grew up in Miami and played his college ball at the University of Miami, so all signs point to him agreeing to play for the Heat.
The Pistons' only hope for landing an impact free agent at this point is if Atlanta has to offer F Josh Smith a max deal, which would potentially keep them from matching an offer to Josh Childress. It has been stated from the beginning of this offseason that Detroit would make its biggest moves through trades, but it would still be nice to see them land a free agent who could contribute off the bench.
Update: Jones officially signed with Miami, for 5 years and $23 million.
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