R.J. Hampton to sign with Pistons

Former Magic guard R.J. Hampton plans to sign with the Pistons after he clears waivers, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweets.

Hampton, the 24th overall pick in 2020, was waived by Orlando on Monday afternoon.

Hampton had a rotation role in his first season-and-a-half with the Magic, but has seen his playing time decline precipitously in 2022-23 after the team declined the ’23-24 team option on his rookie scale contract. 

Hampton appeared in just 26 contests this season, averaging 5.7 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists on .439/.340/.838 shooting in 13.9 minutes per game.

It’s not a given that Hampton will join the Pistons, since it’s possible he could be claimed. He has a $2,412,840 cap hit for 2022-23, so a team with cap room or a trade exception big enough to absorb that amount could place a claim.

Detroit has an open roster spot, so it won’t have to make a corresponding move.

The Pistons have been rotating Jaden Ivey, Alec Burks, Killian Hayes and Cory Joseph at the guard positions. Hampton could take over some of Joseph’s minutes as he auditions for a new contract. 

He’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer, unless he signs a contract beyond this season with Detroit. However, James Edwards III of The Athletic hears that it will be a rest-of-the-season contract.