After a busy start to the week, the Detroit Pistons made a roster change by agreeing to part ways with the veteran center, Mike Muscala.
On Wednesday, the Pistons put out an official statement, finalizing the move.
“The Detroit Pistons and Mike Muscala have reached an agreement to buy out the veteran center’s contract,” the release wrote. “The Pistons have requested waivers on Muscala.”
The decision to waive Muscala came as a bit of a surprise, considering the Pistons recently traded for the veteran. In a mid-January deal between the Pistons and the Washington Wizards, Detroit landed Muscala and Danilo Gallinari in exchange for Marvin Bagley, Isaiah Livers, and draft compensation.
Muscala wrapped up his run with the Wizards after appearing in 24 games. After the 2024 trade deadline, the Pistons parted ways with Gallinari by agreeing to a buyout with the veteran.
At first, it seemed the Pistons were willing to hold onto Muscala, as he played in 14 of his first 14 games with the Pistons, averaging 13 minutes on the floor.
However, the Pistons shifted their rotation, which left Muscala on the bench for the last four games, including Tuesday night’s victory over the Chicago Bulls.
Considering the Pistons are clearly in a rebuilding phase, their decision to move on from Muscala will do the 32-year-old veteran a favor, as he would benefit from playing for a contending squad.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Muscala is expected to garner interest from several playoff-contending teams.
Muscala leaves the Pistons after averaging four points and two rebounds while shooting 38 percent from deep. Throughout his career, he’s a 38 percent shooter, who averaged six points off the bench.
While the veteran’s next move is unknown at the moment, it will only be a matter of time before the former Piston finds his third destination this year.
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