Drummond shows faith in Pistons owner, waits on deal

Drummond, 22, could sign a five-year maximum extension that would pay him well into nine figures. As a result of this decision, the $21 million that Drummond would earn with the extension in 2016-17 would stay off the cap – freeing up potentially $30 million in space – allowing the Pistons to attempt to sign or trade for better teammates.

Pistons coach and chief decision-maker Stan Van Gundy informed assembled media of this surprising development on Tuesday afternoon. “He wants us to have the flexibility to continue to add people to this team”.

Van Gundy emphasized, though, that Johnson, who is averaging 15 points in the preseason, would be in the mix with the starting group throughout the game and would play significant minutes.

Even if Drummond inked an extension with the Pistons before the league’s November 2nd deadline, his new salary wouldn’t kick-in until next season. It gives us a little more size and a little more experience.

Delaying this extension is a technicality, one that should benefit the Pistons – including their franchise player, who’s more likely to have a better supporting cast in the years to come.

While Morris was brought in to help groom Johnson and ensure that he wouldn’t have to start from the beginning of the season, Johnson has opened a few eyes with his play. Still, for those assuming that this would be a fineable offense, understand that this is exactly what this $8.1 million “cap hold” is for.

Among the other factors, Van Gundy said, were Johnson’s fit with a second unit, where his ability to put the ball on the floor, attack the basket and make plays off the dribble meshes well; and the fact that Johnson is a rookie going against two veterans.

Convince Drummond NOT to sign an extension. Langlois noted this decision was made due to a “trust” between Drummond and Pistons owner Tom Gores, centered largely around preserving cap space. The only way he could leave in 2017 is to accept the one-year, $4,433,683 qualifying offer. He isn’t anxious about minutes, though, as he’s stretched all of the starters enough to get ready for the start of the regular season.

It’s expected that they will agree on a five-year, $120-million deal soon after the National Basketball Association free agency moratorium ends next offseason.

And Andre Drummond, despite his convictions, will still have options.