The Pistons had more guaranteed salaries (17) than regular-season roster spots (15).
That made them prime candidates for a preseason trade.
But that appears a lot less likely now.
ROSTER UPDATE: We have waived forward Cartier Martin, guard/forward Adonis Thomas and center Jordan Bachynski.
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) October 23, 2015
Cartier Martin had a fully guaranteed salary after the Pistons curiously gave him a player option when signing him last year. He’s a spot-up outside shooter who works hard enough defensively to play when his shot is falling, which it wasn’t last season. He has hung around the periphery of the NBA for years, but apparently there were no takers in a trade.
Adonis Thomas had a $60,000 guarantee, which was probably designed mostly to entice him to spend another season with Detroit’s D-League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Drive. The Pistons like him, but they just didn’t have enough room for him.
Jordan Bachynski, whose salary was unguaranteed, could also be headed for the Drive, though that would require a D-League trade.
This still leaves the Pistons with 16 players, all of whom have guaranteed salaries. Danny Granger is the most obvious cut. He hasn’t been healthy enough to play this preseason, and he already looked washed up. The Pistons might just be waiting to see whether his $2,170,465 salary can facilitate a larger trade.
Barring Detroit surprisingly keeping Granger, this means Reggie Bullock would make the team. Bullock, Martin and Thomas appeared to be primary contenders for the final roster slot.