Young Pistons quite aware of huge NBA paydays

ORLANDO -- The staggering dollar amounts being doled out during NBA free agency definitely have been noticed by younger players.

Former Detroit Pistons Greg Monroe, Brandon Knight, Khris Middleton and Kyle Singler alone have agreed to contracts worth a combined $215 million.

Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson soon will sign a contract worth $80 million. Center Andre Drummond will sign a maximum contract extension sometime in the near future.

The numbers led to a hilarious exchange last week between Pistons second-year point guard Spencer Dinwiddie and first-round draft pick Stanley Johnson.

Johnson, who is a few years away from talking about a contract extension, was asked about the staggering figures. He paused, and Dinwiddie, seated in the next chair, interrupted.

Dinwiddie: "If I can speak on my client's behalf, I think he saying, man, in four years, (Johnson is) going to have a very good life."

Johnson added, with a chuckle: "No comment, no comment."

Dinwiddie: "As far as me, you know what, Stanley? Please just let you and (Drummond) and (Jackson) just allow me to play on your squad."

Johnson, with a laugh: "What are you talking about?"

Dinwiddie: "Next season, I can be extended. Stanley, Reggie and (Andre), just please allow me to stay. That's all I ask."

Johnson: "C'mon, man."

Dinwiddie then motioned over to 2015 second-round pick Darrun Hilliard.

Dinwiddie: "Me and Darrun got to stick up for each other. We might do a Morris twins and sign for 54 (million) combined. We'll split it. We'll be all right."

Marcus Morris and Markieff Morris divvied up a $52 million contract extension with the Phoenix Suns in September 2014. The Pistons obtained Marcus Morris last week.

Contact Vince Ellis at vellis@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @vincent_ellis56.