Free-agent time likely to be slow for Pistons

Chris McCosky / The Detroit News Tuesday marks the start of free-agent season. That's the day free agents are officially free to negotiate with other teams. They can begin signing with new teams July 9. The Pistons have their mid-level (roughly $6 million) and veterans ($2 million) exceptions available, but it's doubtful they will use all of it. Two reasons for that: This isn't a bumper crop for free agents, and their first priority is to see what they can do trade-wise. Also, though the Pistons are safely under the luxury tax threshold right now, they do plan on giving Jason Maxiell a contract extension this summer. Depending on what other roster changes get made, that would put them very close to the tax line. Joe Dumars said he most likely wouldn't be looking to use the full mid-level exception, so that takes the Pistons... [read full story]