Pistons, F Leuer agree to 4-year, $42M

Being able to grab the ball that frequently makes the Detroit Pistons defense even better. Then the onus will be on head coach Stan Van Gundy to find the right lineup combinations to build off the Pistons’ first playoff appearance in seven years this past season. The numbers he put up last season were the most robust by a Pistons big man since Bob Lanier in 1972-73. Locking him in now could prove to be a steal for Detroit if Drummond continues to progress, as the salary cap is only going to go up in years ahead.

The signing of Leuer means the Pistons are out of the Al Horford race. He was more than willing to make the financial commitment to make it happen. If Drummond can become a more intelligent defensive player and anticipate when and where he needs to help with more consistency and a higher motor, he instantly becomes a top-10 player in the National Basketball Association and leads Detroit to a consistent top-5 defense.

Drummond is widely regarded as one of the best young centers in the game and it’s easy to see why. His main competition comes from DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings. He will be eligible to apply for reinstatement in two years. They’ll both become quite acquainted at All-Star games.

On day one of free agency, the Pistons filled the former by signing Ish Smith to a three-year deal.

After trading for star guard Derrick Rose recently, Joakim Noah agreed to a four-year deal worth $72 million on Friday with the Knicks, returning to his hometown and joining his former Bulls teammate in NY, a person with knowledge of the details told AP. They also have Stanley Johnson, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Darrun Hilliard on their rookie contracts and just added Henry Ellenson and Michael Gbinije in this year’s NBA Draft.