Detroit Pistons Rumors: 2 Players Not Expected Back Next Season

With the season coming to a merciful close for the Detroit Pistons this weekend, it's finally time to concentrate on next season, when things will hopefully be looking up. 

With an emphasis on returning to playoff contention for the young team, there's no doubt that the Pistons' roster will not look the same come October. To that end, here are two players who should not be expected to return next season. 

Alec Burks

The 12-year veteran did a nice job this season as a backup guard, until going down to injury a month ago. The Pistons even spurned trade offers for Burks at the deadline. But with former No. 1 pick—and face of the franchise—Cade Cunningham coming back healthy next season to run the show, Burks' role would be significantly reduced.

Killian Hayes and Jaden Ivey have done a nice job filling the void for Cunningham all season as the starting backcourt. One of them will have to shift into Burks' backup role, making him expendable. The Pistons have a club option at $10.4M, and might either try to trade him or simply not pick it up. 

Burks averaged 12.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 41.4% on threes in 51 games this season.

Cory Joseph

The same can be said for the 12-year veteran Joseph, who averaged about 20 minutes per game this season as a backup point guard. He averaged 6.9 points and 3.4 assists while shooting 39.9% from three-point range. 

But he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer, and with Cunningham back next season, and former top lottery picks Hayes and Ivey needing the playing time, the Canadian backup quite likely won't be back. 

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