DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons have declined Luka Garza's team option, making the former Hawkeye basketball legend an NBA free agent.
The Athletic's James Edwards III tweeted the news Tuesday night.
"Sources: The Pistons will not pick up the team options of Frank Jackson, Luka Garza and Carsen Edwards," he said.
Spotrac notes the team option was worth $1.56 million.
Garza was picked in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft and spent most of the year with Detroit's G-League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise. He played in 32 NBA games last year — with five starts — averaging 5.8 points and 3.1 rebounds per game.
For the Cruise, he averaged 20.6 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.
Luka's father, Frank, said the following in a tweet of his own.
"It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye. So much to be thankful for, the global Piston’s community, [Little Caesars Arena] fans, our friends at Dove Academy, Boulevard, Stella’s; you all made us feel welcome. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Until we meet again #313."