Perry A. Farrell of the Detroit Free Press writes that the Pistons expect Jerry Stackhouse to opt out of his contract after next season, then sign a long-term deal instead of discussing a contract extension after this season.

There had been talk in December that his agent, Jeff Schwartz, would call the Pistons about an extension for Stackhouse, who signed his current deal during the 1999 lockout year.

If Stackhouse opts out, the Pistons can exceed the salary cap to sign their own free agent -- in this case, Stackhouse.