Detroit Pistons backup shooting guard Michael Gbinije is under contract for the 2017-18 NBA season, but currently, only $500,000 of his minimum salary of $1,312,611 is protected if he's released by the July 15 deadline. Gbinije admits he is thinking about his contract while playing for the Pistons during the Orlando Summer League.
"I can only control what I can control, but it is in my mind," Gbinije told the Detroit Free Press. "For me, I guess, I play better, I play more relaxed when I’m just focused on the game itself and not worry about things outside of it. ... I'm trying my best to just focus on basketball, but it is what it is. I’m aware of it."
Gbinije, the No. 49 selection in the 2016 NBA draft, played in just nine games during his rookie season, and he needs a strong showing in Orlando to prove his case to remain on the team. In three games, Gbinije is averaging 6.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
-- Nick Silva
