The Detroit Pistons are intent on keeping guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope from leaving this summer.
Caldwell-Pope is set to be a restricted free agent, but according to Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press, the team is ready to match any offer sheet that comes in for him. That includes potential max contract offers.
The Pistons know that, with a tight salary cap situation, they would not be able to make up for the loss of Caldwell-Pope if they allowed him to walk.
“We can’t lose him,” one source said.
The 24-year-old Caldwell-Pope averaged 13.8 points per game last season, shooting 35 percent from three. The Pistons feel he still has room to grow, and he’s clearly viewed as an important part of the franchise’s future. There will almost certainly be interest in him, so the team’s resolve will likely be tested.
