On the first day of the NBA’s free agency period, the Detroit Pistons made major moves to shore up their three-point shooting and perimeter athleticism by agreeing to five-year deals with former UConn teammates Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva.

Teams can’t publicly comment on free agents until July 8 — the first day players can sign — but the Detroit Free Press reported Gordon’s deal is believed to be worth $55 million and Villanueva’s $35 million over five years.

The Pistons had between $18 million and $20 million in salary-cap space. Wednesday’s deals total $18 million a season.

Gordon made $6.4 million with the Bulls last season, while the Bucks paid Villanueva $3.4 million. Both flew in to Detroit to meet with Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars. The team already has another former Husky, Rip Hamilton, though he could be traded.

Gordon, 26, has been nailing threes and creating his own shot since he came into the league as the third pick of the 2004 draft. He stands 6 feet 3 and has a career average of 18.5 points.

Villanueva, 24, is a 6-10 forward with a budding inside-outside game. Last season, he averaged career highs in scoring (16.2) and rebounding (6.7).

Dumars, who announced the firing of coach Michael Curry on Tuesday, said he plans to have a new coach in place by July 10.

Source: www.Courant.com