NBA Rumors: Pistons May Consider Amar'e Stoudemire, Pau Gasol

A former Knick and a former Laker are reportedly candidates as frontcourt back-up for Detroit Pistons.

A new beginning is about to cross the paths of veteran All Stars Pau Gasol and Amar'e Stoudemire this offseason as the Pistons may be looking to find a back-up center for Andre Drummond.

According to a source with a first-hand knowledge, the Pistons are exploring options in signing a solid supporting frontcourt cast and reports suggest that one option the team is considering is to sign a veteran, Detroit Free Press reported.

Detroit did not succeed in landing JaVale McGee as the Lakers big man re-signed with the Purple and Gold. However, there are more veterans that Pistons could explore and this leads them to make Gasol and Stoudemire possible prospects.

Just over a week ago, ESPN's Jordan Schultz reported that Stoudemire and Monta Ellis held a private workout with multiple teams and apparently, Detroit was one of them.

Although the 36-year-old former Knicks star has not played in the NBA since 2016, he has been confident with his body and the apparent interest of Pistons to sign a big man could be all that Stoudemire need to complete his NBA return. It did not take long for Stoudemire to be linked with a team after the report came out and according to Yahoo Sports, the Lakers could be a good landing spot for the 6-foot-10 center/power forward.

Gasol is another name on the list of possible back-ups for Drummond. At age 39, Gasol has proven that he can still contribute during his seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. The Spanish All Star is recovering from surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot, which ended his 2018-19 season after 30 games. Despite his injury, Gasol has vowed to return to practice in August.

If Gasol will be healthy enough to play next season and if Pistons will really consider signing a veteran, they are looking at a potential of adding a championship-experienced type of player should they choose to pick Gasol.

Aside from the experience, Gasol and Derrick Rose have already played together a few years ago in Chicago and the two vets could take their talents in Detroit this time.

As for Stoudemire, he could play a better role defensively or as a rebounder for the Pistons. But it is still a question if he can still contribute as nobody has reported about the outcome of his private workout yet.