"With free agents Tayshaun Prince and Jonas Jerebko in the fold, rookies Brandon Knight and Vernon Macklin signed and Rip Hamilton waived, Pistons president Joe Dumars can turn his attention to restricted free agent Rodney Stuckey.

The process isn't going smoothly, and there's a chance a team could present an offer sheet, which the Pistons would have three days to match.

"There's always a number, but it's way up here," Dumars said as he raised his hand over his head with a laugh when asked whether there was a number the Pistons wouldn't match.

Still, Stuckey was noticeably absent from the first day of training camp.

But a news item Friday might have an effect on negotiations. The Kings signed restricted free agent Marcus Thornton for four years, $31 million.

Many observers would agree that Stuckey, 25, is a better player than Thornton.

Dumars' negotiating style typically is not to low-ball players. He might not be at the doorstep, but he is usually in the neighborhood with initial offers.

Still, Stuckey's options are limited. If things break down and he doesn't get an offer sheet, he could sign the qualifying offer of $3 million and become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

The Pistons also could pursue a sign-and-trade, but they are not seeking that option now."