Detroit Pistons targeting two shooters in free agency amidst Malik Beasley controversy

Malik Beasley is currently under investigation by the U.S. District Attorney’s office for an alleged possible involvement in gambling. If Beasley is guilty, he is facing a lifetime ban from the NBA.

With Beasley, who was presumably going to re-sign, now an unlikely option to return, the Pistons have turned to two other stars as replacements.

Detroit Pistons targeting Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson

As the Malik Beasley situation develops, the Detroit Pistons will not sit idly by and lose their chance to land players. And according to Marc Stein, the Pistons have set their targets.

To replace Beasley, the Pistons will try to sign Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson. Robinson is likely to turn down his $19.9 million player option, thus giving the Pistons a chance at a sign-and-trade deal.

“The Pistons, meanwhile, are strongly expected to focus on signing Caris LeVert away from the Hawks…

“The Pistons, meanwhile, are likewise said to be weighing a run at Miami’s Duncan Robinson to potentially fill their sudden need for shooting in addition to the interest in LeVert.

“Robinson opted Sunday to bypass his $19.9 million player option for next season, but the move was made, sources said, with the expectation that the Heat and Robinson would work together on a new deal or pursue his exit via sign-and-trade.

“The various possibilities Detroit is suddenly contemplating, mind you, represent quite an 11th-hour shift in planning for the Pistons, who were expecting to shake hands Monday on a multiyear deal with sharpshooter Malik Beasley.”

Caris LeVert might be the Pistons’ best option

While Duncan Robinson has proven he is one of the most elite shooters in the NBA today, his massive contract demands might make him a burden for the Pistons.

Of course, if Robinson and the Heat agree to a buyout, then the Pistons could sign him to a minimum contract and protect their wage structure.

But Robinson has also declined as a shooter in the last few years. Last season, Robinson averaged 11.0 points per game while shooting 39.3% from the field.

Whereas Caris LeVert has accepted his role-player status in the NBA. LeVert averaged 12.1 points per game on 37.3% shooting.

While LeVert’s efficiency isn’t as strong, his scoring numbers are slightly better. Plus, unlike Robinson, the Pistons can sign LeVert as a free agent.

The Hawks are targeting Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who plays the same position as LeVert. This would indicate that the Pistons won’t face stiff competition from the Hawks.