Former Suns Big Man Signs With Pistons

PHOENIX -- Former Phoenix Suns big man Chimezie Metu is signing with the Detroit Pistons, according to ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski.

"The Detroit Pistons are signing F Chimezie Metu for the rest of the season and on a team option for 2024-2025, sources tell ESPN. Metu just completed a 10-day deal with Detroit," he wrote on Twitter/X.

Since joining Detroit, Metu has logged significant minutes for the Pistons under former Phoenix head coach Monty Williams. Detroit is just 13-61 on the season, and should Metu play well, he could become a more solidified part of the rotation moving into next season.

With Detroit, Metu is averaging 7.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 26 minutes per contest.

Metu first entered the league in 2018 with the San Antonio Spurs as a second-round pick, later spending time with the Sacramento Kings before landing with the Suns in free agency last offseason. 

He was eventually traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team deal that netted the Suns Royce O'Neale at the NBA trade deadline. Metu was soon waived after before joining Detroit.

He played in 37 games for Phoenix, which included a notable 23 point/19 rebound effort on Christmas Day for the Suns.