The Detroit Pistons have been doing a very interesting rebuild of their team over the last few years. It started with them moving veterans like Blake Griffin, Derrick Rose, Reggie Jackson, and Markieff Morris off the squad after they become perennial first-round exits. However, the organization has managed to already put together one of the most enviable young cores in the league.
One of the most interesting pieces on their roster is Marvin Bagley III. The Pistons acquired Bagley in the winter of last season from the Sacramento Kings after he had an extremely hard time fitting in and living with the reputation of being the player picked ahead of Luka Doncic, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Trae Young.
Bagley looked solid in Detroit over the few months he played there. He evidently impressed people enough as he was rewarded with a contract extension on day one of free agency. Bagley has agreed to a 3-year, $37 million extension with the Pistons to further grow on this roster.
Restricted free agent forward Marvin Bagley III has reached an agreement with the Detroit Pistons on a three-year, $37 million deal, league sources tell @YahooSports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) June 30, 2022
The Pistons went from possibly paying Deandre Ayton the max to steal him from Phoenix to making some incredibly shrewd roster moves. Instead of keeping cap space open, the Pistons acquired bad contracts from the Knicks in exchange for picks and drafted Jalen Duren.
The Pistons can continue their rebuild at their own pace, and Marvin Bagley is definitely a part of the picture. While he may never live up to the calling of a top-three draft pick, especially in the 2018 class, Bagley can become a very solid NBA player with longevity if he works hard enough.
The Pistons will probably be in the fight at the bottom of the conference again, but at least they are tying up loose ends and making sure everybody is all signed and ready when it comes time to make a push for a title.
