It's a homecoming for Derrick Walton Jr.
The Detroit native and former Michigan star is signing a 10-day contract with the Pistons, according to reports. Walton, who was waived by the Hawks following a deadline-day trade from the Clippers, will take the roster spot of the recently bought-out Reggie Jackson.
It amounts to an in-season try-out for Walton, and a chance for the rebuilding Pistons to see if he might fit in their future.
The Pistons plan to sign guard Derrick Walton Jr. to a 10-day contract, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 20, 2020Walton appeared in 23 games for the Clippers this season, averaging 2.2 points and 1.0 assist while showing good touch from three. He averaged 11.9 points and 6.9 assists over seven games with the Clippers' G League affiliate.
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Los Angeles guaranteed his $1.4 million contract in January for the rest of the season, after which head coach Doc Rivers said, "He's been in big games in his life. What I like about him is he can make shots. The one thing he'll do is shoot the ball, and you need guys who are capable shooters on the floor."
Walton played overseas last season, following a rookie season spent mostly with the G League affiliate of the Heat. He went undrafted in 2017 after a four-year career at Michigan that culminated with a Big Ten championship and a trip to the Elite 8.
The Pistons are home against the Bucks Thursday night, before heading out on a four-game road trip that starts Sunday in Portland.
