Last season, fans were surprised after Malachi Flynn dropped a 50-point masterpiece for the Detroit Pistons in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Now, Motor City’s front office has decided to let him walk away in free agency.
Flynn was drafted by the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2020 NBA draft. He played college basketball for Washington State and San Diego State, where he was named the Mountain West Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in 2020.
After being drafted by the Raptors, Flynn spent three seasons with the team, playing both in the NBA and their G League affiliate, the Raptors 905. He had several standout performances, including scoring 22 points as a rookie in a loss against the Atlanta Hawks in 2021.
In December 2023, Flynn was traded, along with teammates forward OG Anunoby and big man Precious Achiuwa, to the New York Knicks in exchange for several players. He spent the 2023-2024 season with the Knicks before signing with the Detroit Pistons, where he spent the remainder of the 2024-2025 season.
Last season, Flynn set a franchise record by scoring 50 points off the bench, becoming only the third player in NBA history to accomplish that feat. His impressive performance included 18-for-25 shooting and 9-for-12 from the free-throw line, along with a season-high in rebounds, assists, and steals.
Detroit Pistons Allows Malachi Flynn To Become Unrestricted Free Agent
Just recently, the Pistons have signed point guard Cade Cunningham to a five-year $226 million max rookie contract. At the same time, the front office has decided to let Flynn walk away as an unrestricted free agent, as seen in a tweet by Michael Scotto on X.
“The Detroit Pistons won’t tender Malachi Flynn a qualifying offer, league sources told @hoopshype. The 26-year-old guard, who scored a career-high 50 points earlier this season, will become an unrestricted free agent,” Scotto said.
Last season, Flynn averaged 5.1 points 2.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists for the Knicks and Pistons. Surprisingly, the former Toronto Raptors rookie exploded for 50 points in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks before the regular season ended.
It remains to be seen where Flynn will land in the offseason. What’s certain, though, is that if given the chance, the former Pistons scorer can prove his worth on the court down the line.
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