While all seems quiet on the Pistons free agent front Vincent Goodwell of the Detroit News writes that the two sides are working and making progress on a new deal. Mark Bartlestein, Bynum’s agent, said he’s in constant contact with Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars. “Joe and I are working at it,” Bartlestein said. “We’re putting a lot of time and energy into it.”
According to Goodwell the baseline for Bynum’s contract will fall in line with other players in comparable situations. Luke Ridnour, Steve Blake and Jordan Farmar, all backup point guards, each signed deals worth $4 million per season, which makes the apparent impasse even more puzzling. None of those players have 25-point quarters or 20-assist games under their belts, which Bynum does.
Other teams haven’t expressed much interest in Bynum and it is expected that he will be playing in Detroit next season. Since he is a restricted free agent the Pistons will also have the opportunity to match any others teams offer to Bynum.