AUBURN HILLS -- Now that he is a free agent, former Detroit Pistons center Ben Wallace might finish his NBA career with the franchise by which many fans still associate him.
Wallace, who recently was traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Phoenix Suns, reached a $10 million buyout with the Suns and is an unrestricted free agent. It remains to be seen how many teams are interested in the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
One thing is clear: Detroit is one of them.
The Pistons have about $3.5 million to spend on free agents. Some or all of that could go to Wallace.
Detroit likely would use just a portion of that for him. The veteran's minimum has been established at $1.3 million next season.
With starters Rasheed Wallace (Boston) and Antonio McDyess (San Antonio) signing elsewhere, the Pistons lack an established veteran presence in the frontcourt. And, after signing Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva, the Pistons are limited to a much smaller pool of free agent targets.
As for Ben Wallace's incentive to come back to Detroit, his career has taken a nosedive since he left after signing a four-year, $60 million contract with the Chicago Bulls.
Wallace was named to the All-NBA second or third team his final five seasons in Detroit. A four-time all-star (2002-06), he also was a five-time all-defensive player.
But in the three seasons since he left Detroit, Wallace has battled a series of injuries. That might limit Wallace's options.
Besides Wallace, other free agent big men Detroit might consider include Glen Davis, Chris Wilcox, Drew Gooden and former Piston Joe Smith.
