The Detroit Pistons are ‘gauging’ the trade market on forward Simone Fontecchio, which would clear up over $8 million in cap space, according to a report from HoopsHype.
With the Pistons possibly moving on without key free agents Malik Beasley, Dennis Schroeder and Tim Hardaway Jr., getting Fontecchio off the books would give the organization $24 million in cap space to pursue additions to their roster.
Detroit has been linked to numerous guards like Caris LeVert, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Duncan Robinson early in the offseason to replace the trio of possibly-departing free agents.
The Pistons were also linked to Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner, but HoopsHype reports NBA executives expect him to return to the Pacers.
Those pursuits require some space that offloading an expiring deal on 29-year-old Fontecchio could help accomplish.
The Italian native has been in the NBA three seasons, averaging 7.6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game for his career.
Acquired in a February 2024 trade with the Utah Jazz in exchange for Kevin Knox II, Fontecchio gave the Pistons some solid contributions to end the season, averaging over 15 points and 4.4 rebounds in 16 games.
Detroit would sign him to a two-year deal in July 2024.
His contributions lessened last season as the Pistons pushed their way to the NBA playoffs. Fontecchio played in 75 games, scoring 5.9 points and recording 2.9 rebounds per game while shooting 40.2% from the field and 33.5% from deep.
The Pistons have exciting young forwards in Ron Holland II and Bobi Klintman, who are expected to take steps forward going into next season. That could allow the Pistons to part with Fontecchio and focus money toward a guard spot that’s looking thinner in the face of free agency.
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