Human Victory Cigar

This may be a little premature considering the team’s recent success and the deadline not being until February next year but with more players entering the trade pool after December 15th, let’s explore where we stand.

Disclaimer: It’s not about whether or not we should make a trade. It’s a valuable exercise to evaluate our assets as well as watch which players gain and lose stock as the deadline approaches.

Just for the sake of rating each player’s staying power we can separate them into three categories:

1. Most likely to be moved
2. Maybe if the price is right
3. Hard to move or is a valuable long term asset

1. Most likely to be moved

Dale Davis - His expiring contract is desirable to teams trying to get under the luxury tax or positioning to add free agents next year. Moving Davis would have to be contingent on receiving another big that can maintain our depth at center. His recent play has everyone reconsidering including Double D in any trade scenarios.

Antonio McDyess - Not the easiest player to move because of his trade kicker. Joe Dumars may want to get his younger power forwards more of a chance to gain playing time (insert Flip Saunders sarcasm here). He can opt out next year but not likely at his age. Still has trade value due to his short term contract.

Flip Murray - The only way he is traded is if we receive a veteran point guard in return. This is likely a one year stop for him anyways. Flip could be a nice filler contract in a multi-player deal.

Carlos Delfino - He still has more upside to achieve. Only management knows if Carlos will be satisfied in a reserve role moving forward. There is the significant risk of him bolting (less than two years) or requesting a buyout. He’s still not a known commodity in the NBA other than the limited playing time here and in international competition. It may be best to hold off until he gets a better look.

Nazr Mohammed - He’s our “not Ben”. A serviceable player that can’t be mistaken for an impact player. Somewhat soft on defense with some post skills. I have a hard time believing that he’s part of a long term plan as a starter. He has an easy to move contract as filler for an impact player. He’s not too old either.

2. Maybe if the price is right

Rasheed Wallace - Our largest annual salary (12 million) with two years left after this year. His hot and cold play makes it hard to gauge his long term value. If you’re looking at the future, power forward is our depth position. Sheed looks like he’s lost ½ a step from 2004. Moving him this year could expose our lack of playoff experience from our reserves. His value could rapidly decline from age 32 and beyond. A tough call.

Chauncey Billups - Based on Joe’s comments it doesn’t appear likely that Chauncey will be dealt. You still have to consider the “Ben factor” for Chauncey Billups receiving a deal he can’t refuse. He’s not going to get any quicker at a speed position. His defense is already considered shaky. This will be a huge financial commitment for a thrifty organization (being nice). What point guards are available that play more consistently?

3. Hard to move or is a valuable long term asset

Rip Hamilton - Rip has substantial trade value but why move him. Moving Rip would mostly likely be part of a blockbuster deal. The only thing that could push Joe to move him would be to acquire a superstar or because he plays SG which is one of the easiest positions to replace. Not likely to be moved.

Tayshaun Prince - A team player that can defend, shoot from outside and continues to get better at posting up. A versatile player capable of playing four positions. Most likely the smartest player on the team (Hammond considers him coaching material). Factor in that he’s one of Joe’s favorites and signed to a fair deal. Tay seems like the least likely Piston to be traded.

Lindsey Hunter - Is there a market for a 36 year old combo guard with limited offensive skills? He’s a personal friend and teammate of Joe’s. Most likely a part of the Pistons brass for the future.

Amir Johnson - Our best kept secret? He’s only signed for one year. We can match offers to keep him (no limit as long as we have our MLE available). He may have drawn some attention in the Vegas summer league (showed well against 1st rounders). His contract doesn’t bring much value back in a trade. He’s worth a long look before considering moving him.

Jason Maxiell - Our best player in the preseason. His minutes conspicuously disappeared after the first few games. Jason’s long term value depends on the team’s views of Amir Johnson (and possibly Cheick Samb). If he’s moved it’s likely to be as salary filler for a bigger deal.
* Late update - Brahma (Maxiell) is kicking butt inside lately… he’s less likely to be dealt.

Will Blalock - An unknown commodity. He does fill a void as a quick drive and dish PG with a reputation as a solid defender. The fact that he’s lasted so far in the draft does not bode well for his trade value.

Ronald Dupree - Does anyone know what he’s capable of with extended minutes? Nuff said.

Cheick Samb - A local writer now working for the Pistons (Keith Langlois) recently said that an Eastern conference team offered a starter for Samb. He is committed to the Spanish WTC Cornella team through next season. There is very little risk in waiting out this prospect’s potential.