Deron

Washington

The first year of the deal is partially guaranteed and the second year is a team option. Washington gives Detroit 14 players heading into training camp, and it’s unlikely they’ll sacrifice future flexibility to add any more free agents.

Washington was selected with the 59th pick in last year’s draft, but never made an impact with the Pistons. He is a quality defender who may very well resurface with another NBA team.

Pistons VP Scott Perry says that Washington will be playing at small forward and developing his perimeter offensive skills. The Pistons think he’s already an NBA-quality defender who showed them a little more offense than they thought he had over the summer. He could end up making the Pistons’ roster for the 2009-10 season.

He’s a defensive specialist, which means he might fit as a role player in the Pistons’ system.

Hamilton has no known injury so missing practice, along with the recent release of Deron Washington, has stoked the fire that he could be sent packing. Pistons coach John Kuester said Hamilton will be in Memphis for Wednesday’s season opener.