Detroit Pistons Offer Explanation on Team's Flurry of Buyouts
At the trade deadline, the Detroit Pistons made multiple moves to shake up the roster moving forward. Along with acquiring promising young talent, they also landed a plethora of veterans.
Since the Pistons sit at the bottom of the standings, they decided to do right by the group of vets. Multiple players got buyouts, opening the door for them to sign with more competitive squads. Among those to be released in recent weeks include Shake Milton, Mike Muscala, Danilo Gallinari, and Danuel House.
Earlier this week, Pistons coach Monty Williams discussed what led to the decision to waive so many players. He stated that the front office made the moves with the players' best intentions at heart.
“We felt like we wanted to do the right thing by players who weren’t playing," Williams said. "Troy has always been about doing right by the player.”
After being bought out by Detroit, some of these players have gone on to sign with teams looking to contend this season. Gallinari quickly signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, who are currently a top-three team in the Eastern Conference. Muscala ended up returning to the OKC Thunder, where he played from 2019 to 2023.
Milton was the latest Pistons departure to land a new contract. He is now with the New York Knicks, who have been one of the hottest teams in basketball following multiple big trades.
Waiving the veterans also helps out the Pistons in the long run. With them no longer on the roster, it gives them more opportunities to let the young players develop in the final weeks of the season.
