The Detroit Pistons are making moves to bolster their roster, reportedly signing rookie forward Tolu Smith to a two-way deal, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.
Smith, a 6-foot-11 forward, had previously been waived by the Pistons during training camp but has been turning heads with the G League’s Motor City Cruise.
Through four regular-season G League games, Smith is averaging an impressive 20.2 points and 14.8 rebounds. He also showcased his skills in five appearances during the G League Showcase Cup.
Smith, who started his college career at Western Kentucky before transferring to Mississippi State for his final four years, was not selected in the 2024 NBA Draft. He made a brief appearance in three preseason games with Detroit, and now the Pistons are giving him another shot with this two-way contract.
To make room for Smith, the Pistons are waiving both Alondes Williams and Cole Swider, per Fischer.
Williams was signed to a two-way deal just before the season started, after being waived by the Clippers. Swider, similarly, was added after being released by the Pacers during the final stages of training camp.
In addition to Smith, Detroit has also agreed to a two-way deal with Ron Harper Jr., according to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.
Harper, who was waived by the Boston Celtics in training camp, has been playing with the Maine Celtics in the G League. In his four regular-season games, he’s averaging 22.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
Harper went undrafted in 2022 after a solid college career at Rutgers and initially signed a two-way contract with the Raptors. After a season-ending shoulder injury cut his 2023-24 NBA campaign short, Harper was waived by Toronto, but now he’s getting another chance with Detroit.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
