Detroit Pistons roster rumors 2016: Ryan Anderson chase to begin in free agency?

Ryan AndersonWikimedia Commons/TonyTheTiger

New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson is coveted by teams since the trade period began in December, with the Detroit Pistons also being linked to him, but the team seems to be patient in its attempt to sign the veteran. 

Pistons president of basketball operations and head coach Stan Van Gundy already said they are not looking to trade unless it improves their roster, MLive.com reported. 

That is why despite the desire to add Anderson, Marc Stein of ESPN mentioned in his report that according to sources, the Pistons will look to continue their attempt when free agency arrives. 

Anderson is in the last year of his existing pact with New Orleans and will join a number of big time players in the National Basketball Association (NBA) who are set to become free agents following the 2015–16 season. 

Van Gundy and Anderson already worked with each other before in their stint with the Orlando Magic. 

In his report, Stein cited the time when Van Gundy utilized Anderson as a stretch four in Orlando as the reason why many teams appear to be interested in the 27-year-old forward now. 

It is still uncertain what the future holds for Anderson and Van Gundy, but there is a possibility during the summer that the two will reunite in Motor City. 

Anderson is performing well this season despite the Pelicans stranded in the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

The former first round pick is averaging 17.4 points, six rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 31.5 minutes of action per game. 

Currently, Anderson is New Orleans' second-leading scorer and one of the few bright spots for the hapless Pelicans. 

Because of another great season while playing for a struggling team, Anderson was frequently linked to trade rumors, but Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry already said they have no plans of moving him.