Pistons Trade Rumors

"Its no secret the Detroit Pistons are among the teams watching the Josh Smith drama in Atlanta unfold with a lot of interest. But according to a league official, a published report in Atlanta that made reference to an Eastern Conference team having a sign-and-trade offer on the table for Smith, is not Detroit. In fact, it has been more than three weeks since the two teams talked. Still, multiple league sources confirmed Sunday night that despite no sign-and-trade offer on the table between the two teams, Detroit remains very interested in the 22-year-old restricted free agent. With free agency nearly a month old, Smith remains the most talented player still available. Smiths coming ..."

"A team source confirmed the Pistons did approach the Atlanta Hawks weeks ago about a possible sign-and-trade deal involving restricted free agent small forward Josh Smith, but said Sunday that the two teams haven't talked in weeks. The source indicated the Hawks were asking for too much, and both sides walked away from any possible deal. A blog on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Web site said that a "Western Conference power and Eastern Conference big dog" have offered deals. There has been speculation for several weeks that the Pistons would be interested in acquiring someone of Smith's caliber. Smith, 22, averaged 17.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocked shots in his fourth season in ..."

"Will Bynum walked away from lucrative offers overseas for a shot at making the Detroit Pistons squad as their No. 3 point guard. Bynum's gamble has paid off now that he has agreed to a multi-year deal with Detroit. "It's pretty much a done deal now," Bynum said. Bynum's agent, Mark Bartlestein, confirmed Monday night that his client has agreed to a two-year deal with Detroit, which includes a team option for the second season. "He's very excited about it," Bartlestein said. Bynum, whose previous NBA experience consisted of 15 games with the Golden State Warriors during the 2005-2006 season, said he got the offer from Pistons coach Michael Curry on Sunday night."

"At least it seems everybody can agree on this: Tracy McGrady is happy. Whether the Houston Rockets will trade him to, say, the Pistons, is another matter. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith stirred that pot Tuesday when he said McGrady wouldn't mind coming to Detroit and joining Team Dumars. Said Smith: "Is Tracy McGrady interested? Yes, he is. I spoke to Tracy McGrady earlier. His basic thing is he's very happy in Houston, but he wants to win. So whatever is a winning situation for him is something he is more than willing to entertain.""

"Despite his injuries and advancing age -- Ratliff will be 36 before the end of next season -- I believe he is the type of player who could help the Jazz. In his first 12 seasons, Ratliff averaged one blocked shot for every 10 minutes he was on the floor. For a comparison, ex-Jazz center Mark Eaton had one block every eight minutes, so you can see Ratliff's ability to impact a game with his defense. I'm guessing Jazz vice president of basketball operations Kevin O'Connor, who I know has always been fan, has talked to Ratliff's agent since July 1. That said, don't expect Ratliff to end up in Utah. From everything I can gather, he is preparing to re-sign with the Pistons."

"James Posey, the Celtics' highest-priority unsigned veteran, is seeking a four-year contract, an NBA source said yesterday. Posey, 31, is treating negotiations as if this could be his final contract and has been in talks with Detroit, the Lakers, New Orleans, Cleveland, and Washington. No team has been willing to offer a deal beyond three years."

"James Posey and Eddie House, key reserves in the Celtics' NBA championship run last season, last night expressed a desire to remain with the team, in their first public comments regarding free agency. "That's my No. 1 choice," said Posey. "I've stressed that to the organization and to everybody. At the same time, I'm still waiting. So we'll see what's going to happen." House and Posey were interviewed before a screening of a highlight DVD of the Celtics' season at TD Banknorth Garden. Posey played down the possibility of returning to Cleveland, his hometown, though an NBA source said the Cavaliers might up the ante in an effort to get a talented player to aid LeBron James. Other ..."

"Celtics forward James Posey's agent, Mark Bartelstien, said Sunday that there could be "something" contract-wise for his client on Monday. Bartelstien would not divulge the interested teams, but an NBA source said that the Hornets seem to be Boston's main competition. The Celtics seem willing to give Posey the full $5.5 mid-level exception, but it seems doubtful that it will be offered more than two years. The 31-year-old seems interested in getting a four-year deal. Other teams potentially interested in Posey include Detroit, Washington and Cleveland"

"A team source indicated today that the Pistons are not “remotely” close to a deal for Houston Rockets superstar Tracy McGrady. Metronews.ca, which is based in Toronto, said in an Internet report — but cited no sources — that the Pistons are "making a big push for McGrady." The Pistons source downplayed the report, saying the Rockets are just one of many teams to whom the club has spoken about potential trades."

"The free-agent names on the Nets' radar and atop their wish list have been fairly consistent: Keyon Dooling. Eduardo Najera. Some who were up front are going elsewhere, like Mickael Pietrus and Roger Mason. And there have been other names that have been in the background. Yesterday, one of them came to the forefront: Jarvis Hayes. "It's close," Hayes said of a possible deal with the Nets. "There is definitely some interest there. And interest here. I can't talk too much about it.""

"The Raptors are expected to sign newcomers Roko Ukic and Nathan Jawai in the next few days, but veteran guard Carlos Delfino appears to be on the way out. Delfino, who averaged career highs in points (9.0) and rebounds (4.4) last season for Toronto, likely will not return, even though he received a qualifying offer from the club last month. Delfino is a restricted free agent, meaning that Toronto would have the right to match any offer he receives. But the Raptors are unlikely to exceed the NBA salary cap to keep him."

"Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower said the team has been involved in serious discussions with several free agents, but no deals were finalized Wednesday, the first day free agents could sign contracts. The Hornets continue to express interest in Boston free agent swingman James Posey and Detroit shooting guard Jarvis Hayes. They are also making a push to re-sign point guard Jannero Pargo, who is receiving interest from at least four different teams, according to his agent. "I think we had some strong discussions with a large number of prospects," Bower said."

"The Pistons have been in contact with several free-agent swingmen around the league, and one name is particularly interesting. Former Piston Carlos Delfino is among the free agents the team is considering signing. Tomorrow is the first day NBA free agents can sign contracts, although they can agree to deals earlier. Delfino, a 6-foot-6 forward from Argentina, averaged nine points per game in 82 games for the Toronto Raptors last season, his fourth year in the NBA."

"When the clock strikes midnight tonight on the East Coast, free agents will be able to officially sign their names on contracts with NBA teams. Whether or not that means someone in Utah - or headed this way - will hit the jackpot remains to be seen. The Utah Jazz are keeping mum on whether or not they'll receive a John Hancock - or a different players' signature - on the opening day of the free-agent signing period for the 2008-09 season. The Jazz have tendered at least one offer to their only free agent - a qualifying offer believed to be in the neighborhood of $1.18 million to swingman C.J. Miles, who is hoping to land with a team that will offer him more playing time than he's ..."

"When free agency began, the Detroit Pistons had no intentions of using their full mid-level exception for one player. But the Pistons might have a change of heart, especially if they have a chance to land a player such as Corey Maggette. The Pistons have had at least one conversation with Maggette's representatives since it became clear that the 6-foot-6 small forward is willing to consider accepting the mid-level exception, which is expected to be worth about $5.8 million."

"The Celtics opened the free agent season, as expected, by making an offer to James Posey yesterday. The NBA champions also had to get in line in order to keep Posey. Though agent Mark Bartlestein declined to name the other franchises that filed offers for the valuable swingman, the group is known to include a substantial list of playoff teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Houston Rockets, the New Orleans Hornets and possibly the Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s unclear how close the Celtics’ offer came to the mid-level, long-term deal that Posey wants, with the desired first year starting at approximately $5.8 million and extending over four or five seasons. The ..."

"James Posey, after deciding not to exercise the option on the final year of his contract yesterday, is a free agent with what may be one of the largest markets of the summer. The fact that there is a limited pool of teams with significant salary cap space (Philadelphia 76ers, Memphis Grizzlies) does not bode well for the biggest names (unrestricted free agent Gilbert Arenas, restricted free agents Luol Deng and Andre Iguodala) this summer, but Posey’s lower-level aims are likely to draw a bigger crowd. The Celtics forward reportedly is looking for a midlevel deal that starts at approximately $5.8 million and carries over 4-5 years...Posey’s hometown Cleveland Cavaliers are said to be ..."

"Tuesday marks the start of free-agent season. That's the day free agents are officially free to negotiate with other teams. They can begin signing with new teams July 9. The Pistons have their mid-level (roughly $6 million) and veterans ($2 million) exceptions available, but it's doubtful they will use all of it. Two reasons for that: This isn't a bumper crop for free agents, and their first priority is to see what they can do trade-wise. Also, though the Pistons are safely under the luxury tax threshold right now, they do plan on giving Jason Maxiell a contract extension this summer. Depending on what other roster changes get made, that would put them very close to the tax line."

"With Don Nelson in his lab coat, tinkering with rosters, steam rising from his forehead and his ability to influence vice president Chris Mullin, no scenario involving the Warriors is incredible. Like, say, the one in which the Dubs send Baron Davis and Al Harrington to Detroit for Chauncey Billups and Rasheed Wallace. The positions are the same, the salaries close enough. Wallace is envisioned as a Warrior by someone within the organization, according to our Geoff Lepper, who covers the team for this publication. With Davis coming back for the final year of his contract but feeling a bit disrespected over the tone of negotiations for an extension, the scenario has him being moved, ..."

"As for the big trade Dumars has said he wants to complete, the team doesn't expect it to come to fruition today. There was nothing imminent as of Wednesday evening, and, apparently, no truth to a report that the Pistons were talking to the Golden State Warriors about a trade involving Chauncey Billups, Rasheed Wallace, Baron Davis and Al Harrington. The two sides haven't even talked, according to a Pistons source."

"As the hours tick down to a draft that will start the ball rolling on the Warriors' potentially franchise-changing offseason, they can be sure of one thing: Star point guard Baron Davis will remain under contract for 2008-09. But that doesn't guarantee he'll be wearing a Golden State uniform when the season begins. A team source said that Davis has told teammates he will not exercise the opt-out provision in his contract before its June 30 expiration date, meaning that he will play out the final year of the deal at a salary of $17.8 million...It's possible that Davis, who wants to stay in the Bay Area but was disappointed with the lowball offers from the Warriors, will ask to be dealt. ..."

"Carmelo Anthony's representatives insist that the Denver Nuggets' enigmatic star isn't going anywhere, especially Detroit. They've supposedly gotten assurances from management. Promises were made. And it all means ... nothing. I still don't see Anthony in Denver come fall when the NBA tips off a new season. What people do privately is more important than what they say publicly. And the Nuggets aren't casually dismissing the Pistons as a potential trade suitor despite all the public deflecting. Such speculation doesn't nurture within a vacuum. It's usually grounded in more than a few grains of truth. Anthony told reporters Monday at the announcement of the roster for the U.S. ..."

"Keep an eye on the negotiations between the Hawks and forward Josh Smith. Smith is a restricted free agent reportedly seeking a deal that starts in excess of $11 million. Hawks new general manager Rick Sund might not be willing to start a deal at that price. If an impasse occurs, you can bet the Pistons will come asking about a possible sign-and-trade deal."

"Pistons director of basketball operations Tony Ronzone could be leaving to join Donnie Walsh's staff in New York. According to reports, Walsh is considering two people to be his second in command -- Denver's vice president of basketball Mark Warkentien and Ronzone."

"The Pistons hold the 29th and 59th picks in the NBA draft on Thursday. The plan, as of now, is to see how the first 25 picks unfold. If a player the Pistons like, preferably a big man, looks to be sliding, they will hold on to their 29th pick. If things are looking bleak, they will attempt to trade out of the first round. This draft doesn't appear to have the sparkle of the last few. Other than perhaps Derrick Rose of Memphis and Michael Beasley of Kansas State, there is a dearth of superstar-type talent."

"The Pistons are in ongoing trade discussions with the Denver Nuggets, with two All-Stars as the potential centerpieces, a team source told the Free Press on Saturday. The Nuggets want to bring point guard Chauncey Billups back to his hometown, and the Pistons are looking to make good on their botched 2003 draft and bring high-scoring forward Carmelo Anthony to Detroit, the person confirmed. But while talks are ongoing, the Nuggets, at this point, are reluctant to include Anthony in any deal. The Pistons source said the sides are "not even close" to an agreement. It's unclear what it might take to pry away Anthony."

"The Phoenix Suns have put Leandro Barbosa and Boris Diaw on the table in attempts to either move up in the draft or secure another veteran to play alongside Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire and Shaquille O'Neal. Small forwards on the market include Richard Jefferson of the New Jersey Nets, Josh Howard of the Dallas Mavericks, Gerald Wallace of the Charlotte Bobcats and Tayshaun Prince of the Detroit Pistons."

"Looks like Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince is in for a busy, and exciting, summer. Prince will be named to the 12-man Olympic basketball roster, which will be officially revealed in Chicago Monday, according to the Associated Press. He is the second Detroit player to make the U.S. Olympic team, joining Shock guard Katie Smith."

"Normally, I am not a big fan of trade speculation. It tends to get ridiculous: How about Jiri Hudler and Jimmy Howard for Sidney Crosby? No? What if they throw in Evgeni Malkin? I'll tell you what: I'll give you my pickle for half your sandwich. No, I won't throw in the barbecue chips. OK, a few. It's silly. But when Joe Dumars announced that he would try to shake up his Pistons core, he practically begged people to speculate. And considering Dumars is unlikely to swing a deal before the draft June 26, or even the start of free agency July 1, this gives us a bunch of time to either a) work or b) dream up trade scenarios. (Or, in my case, both at once!) Let's look at this ..."

"Pistons guard Chauncey Billups withdrew his name from consideration for the U.S. Olympic basketball team Tuesday, according to a report by ESPN. Billups was under consideration for one of the two final guard spots, competing with Chris Paul of the Hornets and Deron Williams of the Jazz. The final roster for the Beijing Olympics is to be announced Monday. Craig Miller, a USA Basketball representative, would not comment specifically on Billups on Tuesday. He only would state all roster issues will be completed and discussed publicly next week. ESPN reported Billups called USA Basketball director Jerry Colangelo to quit, citing a family concern."

"I'm as guilty as the next guy of saying, See! Clearly they're bringing 'Sheed back, when I first saw the news. But the more I think about it, the more I think that's just too simplistic. First, I really do believe that Joe Dumars will exhaust every option on reworking the roster. And Wallace is a very tradable commodity because of his size and because of his contract. Even if Wallace is part of a larger multi-player trade, you still have to keep his name out there, keep it in play."

"How about Zach Randolph as a Piston? The New York Knicks power forward fits the profile that Joe Dumars defined as prerequisites for a trade. Randolph is an impact player. He'll definitely fill a void, providing a consistent low-post offensive presence. But the most intriguing aspect of courting Randolph is that it might not cost the Pistons as much as trying to get Carmelo Anthony or Tracy McGrady. Randolph, the former Michigan State star, doesn't fit in new Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni's up-tempo offensive philosophy. He also has three years and an outrageous $48 million remaining on his contract, making him even more expendable."

"There was only one player standing around as the Pistons introduced Michael Curry as their coach today. And it happened to be the one player Joe Dumars sought most to reach with this hiring - Rasheed Wallace.There was a clear message in Wallace's appearance. It was his personal stamp of approval of Curry's ascension. It signaled his desire to remain a Piston despite a growing public sentiment that he serve as scapegoat for another disappointing playoff exit.Dumars must operate under the assumption that Wallace will return next season, if for no other reason than that he may not bring enough in trade. Contrary to public wishes, there will be no Rasheed fire sale."

"Now that the Pistons have their coach, it's time to build a staff around him. Michael Curry said Tuesday that he expects assistant coach Dave Cowens to return. "You all know Dave's resume," Curry said. "He's been great. He's been a head coach, Hall of Famer. Dave brings a lot when we go in that room and meet on how we're going to play as a team.""

"Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace was the only player to make an appearance at Curry's introductory news conference. He declined to talk to the media, saying with a laugh, "I'm not saying anything. I'm not saying anything." Dumars said he and Wallace have had one short conversation since Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals. In it, Dumars made sure Wallace had heard about his plans to reshape the team by trading away part of his core."It was a short message," Dumars said.Dumars said since he revealed that plan at a news conference last week, his phone has been ringing frequently with interest from around the league."

"The Pistons would be better off going after Allen Iverson, even despite his age. There are probably better moves out there to make but Joe Dumars almost acquired Iverson before and he's such an amazing athlete and competitor that he has at least 2-3 good years left. Iverson would go all out if he thought he had a chance to win that elusive championship and Dumars has always gone after players with something to prove.Iverson is the kind of player who can put a team on his back and make things happen late in games, especially in playoff games against tough defenses. That's the kind of player the Pistons have to get this off-season to get past Boston and Cleveland next year."

"Pistons president Joe Dumars knew exactly what he was doing last Tuesday when he told the world that he would listen to trade offers for all of his core players. He likened it to opening Pandora's Box. "Listen, I knew once I said that last week the phones would start ringing and I knew following that the rumors would start," he said. "And I will say this, we aren't talking to teams about their second- and third-best players. My point has been, if I am going to put these types of guys (the Pistons' five starters) on the market, don't waste your time talking to me about guys you don't like." Dumars said that he has talked to at least 10 teams, but nothing was imminent. Some of the ..."

"The calendar and the weather may suggest otherwise, but the NBA climate has the feel of February. Much like the frenzy and wild speculation that serve as a prelude to the league's trade deadline, caution must be observed and logic exercised. With so many teams looking to improve and so many names being bandied about, it wouldn't surprise any one if one or two roster-altering moves are completed, perhaps more. Until the NBA final runs its course, no deal will be announced in an environment where there's no shortage of possibilities, some that appear to have merit."

"Pistons president Joe Dumars said last week that he wasn't afraid to take a risk, wasn't afraid of stepping outside the box if it meant giving his basketball team a chance to win another championship. Today, he will put those words into action, naming Michael Curry as his new head coach. Curry, who will be 40 in August, has never been a head coach at any level and his only year of actual coaching experience came last season as an assistant with the Pistons."

"What the Bucks need more than anything is a point guard, because Chris Paul and Deron Williams have plainly demonstrated that the NBA has become a point guard league. Interestingly enough, Hammond's old boss, Joe Dumars, is having a fire sale that includes Chauncey Billups. It's doubtful the Pistons would want Redd, but what if they wanted Andrew Bogut? Maybe Detroit wouldn't trade within the division, but there's a scenario whereby Redd could stay, matched in a backcourt with Billups instead of another shoot-first guard in Mo Williams. Either Redd or Williams has to go to change the Bucks' soft jump-shooting personality."

"By the middle of this week, the Pistons plan to have a new coach. All signs point to the job going to Michael Curry, a former Piston and an assistant coach under Flip Saunders. But here's something the new coach should know -- he will be expected to win now. His coaching background and the team's impending makeover won't matter. President Joe Dumars said last week he will break up his core. But that won't affect his No. 1 goal -- an NBA title. To Dumars, there is no "window" that opens or closes. He also told that to his players -- and potential trade bait -- Tayshaun Prince and Richard Hamilton, who stopped by Dumars' office last week."

"Rip Hamilton isn't an untouchable. The only "sacred cow," as Joe Dumars phrased it last week, who isn't on the trading block is rookie Rodney Stuckey.Hamilton will draw more in the open market than anybody else on that roster. He's 30 and a three-time All-Star, and it's always easier finding another scorer.The idea of Chauncey Billups being more expendable than Hamilton because there's already a replacement point guard in Stuckey is gravely flawed, because when Dumars drafted Stuckey with the 15th overall selection, he envisioned a future backcourt of two big hybrid guards, both capable of running the point or working for shots off the ball."

"Free Press special writer Jon Machota recently spoke to ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith and discussed the many issues surrounding the Pistons after losing in the Eastern Conference finals. What are your thoughts on Michael Curry possibly being the next head coach of the Pistons? I reported that he will be the next head coach, and I stand by that. He will be the next head coach of the Detroit Pistons. It's something that has been in the works for quite some time. He's the heir apparent. Pretty much everybody associated with the Pistons knew this much. I think that he's a good guy. I think he's very knowledgeable about the game of basketball. I think he's tough-minded. He's certainly ..."

"Do the Detroit Pistons have eyes for Carmelo Anthony? It's no secret NBA front-office executives have tried to measure if the Nuggets might actually be willing to part ways with the 24-year-old Anthony, despite assurances to his agent that Denver is not actively shopping the high-scoring forward on the trade market. Look for the Pistons, who fell just short of reaching the NBA Finals for the third straight season, to be among the teams putting out feelers in regard to Anthony's availability, according to a league source."

"Sources have said that Detroit Pistons lead assistant Terry Porter has been Suns General Manager Steve Kerr's favorite. Chicago did not pursue Porter but was denied permission to talk to Detroit assistant Michael Curry, who is expected to get the Pistons job. Porter may interview for the Detroit job Monday. The Pistons are expected to name a coach soon thereafter."

"I have an idea, and on the surface it will seem a bit reckless, but hear me out: The Bobcats should consider trading for Detroit Pistons big man Rasheed Wallace. Pistons basketball operations chief Joe Dumars made it clear Tuesday, after firing coach Flip Saunders, that he's open to breaking up his team's core to freshen the roster. Wallace, in the late stages of his NBA career, would be a logical piece to move. Acquiring Wallace would seemingly reject the best practices of the Bobcats so far. They haven't spent huge money on older players and have generally avoided players with attitude problems."

"Detroit assistant coach and close friend Terry Porter is still believed to be Kerr's No. 1 choice. Kerr admitted that Porter's previous head coaching experience in Milwaukee "helps, for sure," and "I don't think anybody can know what it's like to be a head coach in the NBA until they actually have been one." But Kerr quickly pointed out that the other three candidates: San Antonio's Mike Budenholzer, Utah's Tyrone Corbin and Houston's Elston Turner all have significant experience as assistants. Kerr played for Budenholzer for four seasons in San Antonio and with Corbin in Phoenix."

"By the end of next week, the Suns are expecting to be able to fill in the blank: Phoenix head coach ___________. Speaking at length for the first time since the coaching search began May 12, Suns General Manager Steve Kerr said interviews are "probably completed." The finalists are believed to be Detroit Pistons assistant Terry Porter, Houston Rockets lead assistant Elston Turner and Utah Jazz assistant Tyrone Corbin, with insiders believing Kerr is leaning toward Porter."

"Pistons president Joe Dumars planned to sit down Wednesday with the man he wants to hire as his next head coach. No one should be too surprised that the man is Michael Curry. One day after firing Flip Saunders, Dumars planned to begin a quick coaching search by interviewing Curry, one of Saunders' assistants. Curry is considered, by far, to be the leading candidate, a notion that has some raising their eyebrows. It's true that Curry is light on NBA coaching experience. He has served only one season, this past one, as an assistant."