The Detroit Pistons have made a significant move by agreeing to a four-year contract with coach J.B. Bickerstaff, with a team option for a fifth season. This comes after Bickerstaff was let go by the Cleveland Cavaliers in May following their loss to Boston in the Eastern Conference semifinals, despite a solid record of 99 wins over the past two years.
This coaching change follows the Pistons’ decision to part ways with Monty Williams, who was fired just one season into his six-year, $78.5 million contract after the team finished with the NBA’s worst record for the second consecutive year. The team also dismissed general manager Troy Weaver, who managed only a 23% win rate over his four seasons.
Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon has been active in reshaping the team. Bickerstaff, a seasoned coach with a history of turning teams around, brings a fresh perspective to the struggling franchise. With 170 wins in four-plus seasons in Cleveland and previous coaching stints in Houston and Memphis, Bickerstaff has a proven track record.
As the Pistons head into free agency with $50 million in salary cap space, they aim to build around 2021 No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham. Detroit plans to sign Cunningham to a maximum contract of five years and 226-million dollars. The deal can be signed next weekend.
Langdon has already made moves, including declining a $19 million option for Evan Fournier, extending a qualifying offer to Simone Fontecchio, and acquiring Tim Hardaway Jr. from Dallas. The team also drafted Ron Holland from the G League Ignite with the fifth overall pick.
The Pistons are looking to break their playoff drought, having not won a playoff game since 2008.