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Why Austin Reaves fits the Pistons, but only if the price is right
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- Why Austin Reaves fits the Pistons, but only if the price is right
Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images
The Detroit Pistons have a decision to make this summer. With the flexibility to open up cap space, they're in a position to chase Austin Reaves if he becomes available in free agency. The question is whether it's the right move.
At first glance, Reaves seems like an easy fit next to Cade Cunningham . But with reports indicating he could command around $178.5 million over four years, there's another side to consider. Is he worth that much when he hasn't even made an All-Star team?
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Reaves is a natural fit next to Cunningham, and his skillset addresses several of Detroit's biggest needs. The Pistons spent much of last season searching for perimeter shooting and secondary scoring options, and Reaves provides both without needing heavy usage.
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Hard to Find a Basketball Reason Against the Fit
He averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds while taking on an expanded role in Los Angeles , showing he can contribute in multiple areas without having the game revolve around him.
While it's easy to see how he could help the Pistons on the court, there are also some important considerations beyond basketball. One factor that shouldn't be overlooked is Reaves' history of playing his best under pressure.
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In back-to-back playoff runs with LeBron James and Anthony Davis – including some short-handed stretches – he averaged 17.7 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.8 rebounds across 22 postseason games for the Lakers .
Cunningham has had very little playoff experience early in his career as Detroit rebuilds, so adding someone with real postseason production could offer more than just box-score value.
Reaves' skills suit Detroit's needs
If you were to draw up a player to complement Cunningham, you might land on something close to what Reaves brings. He just finished a season where he averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds, solidifying his role as one of the league's more reliable secondary playmakers.
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He also brings exactly what Detroit lacked last season. The Pistons spent most of the year searching for extra shot creation, perimeter shooting and offensive support around Cunningham – areas where Reaves fits well.
It can be easy to overlook Cade Cunningham's numbers when they come during an eight-win season, but he still averaged 22.7 points, 7.5 assists and shot nearly 36% from three-point range while carrying much of the load for an undermanned team.
While fans often ask if another playmaker would take the ball out of Cunningham's hands too often, it may have the opposite effect by helping Detroit avoid situations where teams can load up defensively against him.
The contract figure sparks debate
But nobody is talking about Austin Reaves at $20 million per year anymore. According to reports, his new deal could reach $178.5 million over four seasons – a price tag that shifts him from quality starter money into near-max territory.
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The contract figures under discussion aren't small change either – we're talking upwards of $178 million over four years – which puts Detroit in position to back their judgement completely or step away altogether.
The situation is tricky because it balances team need against player cost. Reaves offers the exact skill set Detroit lacks, but the question remains: does the price tag justify the move?
If his contract demands drop, bringing him in could be seen as a shrewd decision. But if it stays near $178.5 million, the front office will have to weigh whether filling a basketball need is worth paying nearly superstar money for, and that's not an easy call to make.
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