The No. 16 pick in the 2017 draft, Justin Patton has played just nine NBA games.
But teams keep showing faith in him.
The Thunder signed Patton with a relatively high guarantee last summer. Now, the Pistons are signing him for well above the minimum salary.
Pistons release:
John Hollinger of The Athletic:
Patton’s rest-of-season minimum would’ve been $183,115.
In exchange for the immediate windfall, Patton gives the Pistons team control for next season. If he performs well, they’ll keep him on a cheap salary. If he doesn’t, they’ll waive him without paying him further.
All this costs Detroit, which is done for the season, is the actual money (about $500,000). Apparently, Pistons owner Tom Gores is willing to pay, even amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Patton began his career with the Timberwolves, who declined his third-year option then sent him to the 76ers in the Jimmy Butler trade. In January, Oklahoma City traded Patton to the Mavericks, who waived him.
It’s probably not a coincidence Detroit signed Patton shortly after hiring former Thunder executive Troy Weaver.
A center trying to stick in a league overstocked at the position, Patton faces a tough road. But he has some touch around the basket, passing skills and shot-blocking ability. If he ever stays healthy, he has chance.