AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The heavy lifting of the summer is now over for Joe Dumars. With the draft out of the way and Chauncey Billups back in the fold, the last major item of the summer for the Pistons’ president was getting restricted free agent Amir Johnson’s name on a contract, a task achieved Friday.

Johnson, a second-round draft choice in 2005, became one of the summer’s more intriguing free agents after his tour de force over the winter in the NBA Development League with the Sioux Falls (S.D.) Skyforce. In two stints in the D League, Johnson averaged 18.9 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.1 blocked shots a game.

Johnson signed a three-year contract pegged by various media reports at $11 million, though the Pistons do not comment on contract specifics.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Amir Johnson,” said Dumars. “Amir is a talented young player that we look forward to having on the roster as we continue to shape our franchise for next season and the future.”

Dumars said when the 2007 season ended that Johnson would be given every opportunity to crack the playing rotation this season. At 6-foot-11 – Johnson has grown two inches since the Pistons made him the 56th pick two summers ago – the 20-year-old native of Los Angeles would appear to be the prototype for the frontcourt player of the modern NBA.

Perhaps the fastest Piston, Johnson has tremendous rebounding and shot-blocking potential. In the final regular-season game, with Flip Saunders giving his starters light minutes, Johnson hinted at his potential with 20 points on 10 of 14 shooting, 12 rebounds, four blocked shots and three steals in 37 minutes.

Veteran Mo McHone, who spent time as an NBA assistant with the Pistons, was Johnson’s coach in Sioux Falls and said he thinks Johnson is a potential star because of his combination of natural ability and love for the game.

“I really think the Pistons have pulled one off with him,” said McHone, who feels Johnson is the quickest jumper he’s ever coached. “The thing that everybody in Sioux Falls loves about Amir is just watching him and how much it looks like he’s having fun. That’s infectious. He always has a smile on his face. He’s always in a good mood. It’s something you can’t teach. You either love to play the game or you don’t, and he absolutely loves to play this game.”

For at least the next three seasons, he’ll be playing it at The Palace of Auburn Hills.