Among free agents, Jones appears best fit for Pistons

AUBURN HILLS -- Nobody should be overwrought about not hearing the Pistons mentioned in connection with some of the top-tier free agents.

President Joe Dumars has made it clear the preferred tool for any roster changing this summer will be trades. To that end, he needs to keep his roster and payroll as flexible as possible.

Already, there are 10 players with guaranteed contracts for next season, plus second-round pick Walter Sharpe, restricted free agent Walter Herrmann and free agents Lindsey Hunter and Theo Ratliff, both of whom are expected to be re-signed.

As it stands, the Pistons could be some $10 million below the luxury tax threshold, giving them ample maneuverability. They are above the salary cap, so they can use their mid-level ($5.8 to $6 million) and veterans ($2 million) exceptions and sign Hunter and Ratliff and still bring in another free agent.

But Dumars has said he doesn't plan giving the full mid-level to one player. That would seem to rule out a player such as forward James Posey, whom the Pistons did have an interest in.

There are at least three wing scorers on the Pistons' free-agent shopping list:
• Mickael Pietrus, 26, who is entering his sixth season. He has started on and off for the Warriors.

• James Jones, 27, a 6-foot-8 perimeter scorer, who averaged eight points for the Trail Blazers last season. He is entering his sixth season but has 44 playoff games under his belt with the Pacers and Suns.

• C.J. Miles, 21, who has spent the last three years with the Jazz. He is a player Pistons coach Michael Curry became fond of during his days overseeing the Development League.

Of those three, Jones seems the most likely to be signed. Pietrus made nearly $4 million last year with the Warriors and will look for the full mid-level. The Jazz made a qualifying offer to Miles, giving them the right to match any offer.

Plus, Jones is a guy the Pistons have liked for a while.

He has tremendous range on the offensive end, plus he is a long-armed defender capable of defending the basket and clogging passing lanes.

But again, Dumars is looking for depth on the free-agent market, not a major impact player.

Free agents can begin signing July 9, but Dumars isn't on any rigid deadline.

The actual NBA trade deadline isn't until late February.

(detnews.com)