Stuckey signs a 3-year $25M deal with Pistons

tchou · Dec 18, 2011

I'm not sure what Joe D is up to. I really hope the intention is a S&T here:

http://www.detnews.com/article/20111217/SPORTS0102/112170376/-1/auto01insider/Pistons-sign-Stuckey-3-year-25M-deal

Auburn Hills— Rodney Stuckey was all smiles after Pistons practice Saturday, hours after agreeing to a new deal.

Stuckey, who missed a week of training camp, signed a three-year deal worth $25 million to remain a Piston.

The deal falls in line with annual deals signed by Marcus Thornton (Sacramento) and Mike Conley (Memphis), in the $8 million per year range.

"It's just a process. I'm glad it's over, though," Stuckey said. "The lockout had something to do with it. If it was a regular season it would've been done a lot easier."

Typically free agency begins in July, at least three months before camp begins. With the lockout, Stuckey and the Pistons had 13 negotiating days before coming to an agreement. Stuckey, the 15th pick in the 2007 draft, said he never had any intentions of leaving Detroit.

"No, never that, I mean I love it here," he said. "The fans are great, the organization is great, hopefully we can get over this hump and get a change going."

"We have a new owner (Tom Gores) and he's changing some things, we're getting younger. It's what I like to see."

Stuckey said signing a shorter deal was the best move for him and it probably works out better for both parties. A three-year deal makes Stuckey easier to trade if the organization chooses, and Stuckey could become an unrestricted free agent at age 28 as opposed to 30.

His contract expires the same year as Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva, so it could give the franchise flexibility in the trade and free agency markets down the line.

The Pistons' payroll is around $64 million, $6 million away from the luxury tax. They'd like to add another big man, but all the good bigs have been signed. Stuckey is probably the team's last free agency transaction for this season.

"Rodney led our team in scoring and assists last season and he's part of the young core group of players that we are building around," Pistons president Joe Dumars said in a statement. "We look forward to watching his continued growth within our organization."

New Pistons coach Lawrence Frank makes it a rule not to speak about anyone (players or coaches) who aren't around, so he never opened up about Stuckey through the negotiations. Frank's relationship with Stuckey will be crucial to the Pistons' success in the immediate future.

Safe to say, Frank is happy to have perhaps the Pistons' most talented player in the fold.

"It's great to have him; we think Rodney has huge upside," Frank said. "He was coming off a great year last year, he made improvements. We think there's a lot more to his game that we'll see as the years evolve."

Frank will have to weave Stuckey among fellow guards Ben Gordon, Will Bynum and rookie Brandon Knight, who impressed many with his play in Friday's exhibition opener.

"There will be great competition as we figure out how the pieces fit," Frank said. "I'm sure there will be a fight for playing time every day."

Stuckey averaged 15.5 points and 5.2 assists last year in 70 games (54 starts). With a new coach and some new teammates, Stuckey admits he has a lot of catching up to do. Frank said the last thing on his mind is putting Stuckey at risk for injury

"He probably hasn't done much contact since the season ended, especially being a free agent," Frank said. "You don't want to throw too much too soon. I've seen so many guys get injured because they're trying to go the same speed as the other guys."

After practice, Stuckey went through shooting drills with assistant coach Dee Brown, finishing a long day that began around 6 a.m. when he took his physical. Practice immediately followed and when it was over, Stuckey and Frank spent a few moments talking at midcourt.

"He's straightforward," said Stuckey of his early impressions of Frank. "He pretty much tells it like it is, no matter who you are. Just being real with people and that's what I like."

Stuckey likely will play in the final exhibition game against Cleveland on Tuesday.

"I'll be all right, I'll come in early and meet with the coaches," he said. "I'll be back up to speed."

Open practice Sunday
The Pistons have a free open practice Sunday at the Palace, starting at noon. Parking and admission is free.
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Stuckey signs a 3-year $25M deal with Pistons

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