Jennings In Trade Rumors

[dd24]

It definitely sounds like the Pistons want to try to move Jennings.
http://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/report_pistons_make_brandon_jennings_available_via _trade/s1_127_20047441

I'm not sure whats out there that's available right now. I think we could use him off the bench for sure. Although it would be nice to get something for him before he goes to another team next season.

[dd24]

Today it's all over everywhere that the Knicks are interested in Jennings. They don't have a 1st round pick to draft one this season and really need a PG. The only possible decent player I could think of they can give up is Derrick Williams. Outside of that it might just be 2nd round picks.

[Aussie Dunker]

With Morris, Ersan, Tolliver all going through a similar position, not sure he would be a good fit here (I do like him soewhat though)...

I would think perhaps someone like a Calderon could be a decent fit as that savvy veteran spot of shooter / facilitator. Basically a way better version of Steve blake

[dd24]

Calderon sucked the first time. He will this time. I don't want him at all.

[ZMonkey11]

How has Jennings looked? I snagged him on my fantasy team, but I can only watch his highlights and look at his statline now.

Unfortunately, my stream site has chosen not to air that many Pistons games anymore. (Maybe because they are tired of watching Drummond play volleyball :P)

[dd24]

He was apparently on fire the last game.

[ZMonkey11]

Yea, watching the highlights, he definitely looks comfortable in his 2 games back.

I would want us to keep Jennings at this point. The injury and arrival of Reggie Jackson has seemed to humble him. And his firepower is definitely needed off the bench.

And if we were to trade him, I don't see us getting a player that can impact a game off the bench the way he could. (Mainly because he will have the ball in his hand to begin with)

[dd24]

Yea, watching the highlights, he definitely looks comfortable in his 2 games back.

I would want us to keep Jennings at this point. The injury and arrival of Reggie Jackson has seemed to humble him. And his firepower is definitely needed off the bench.

And if we were to trade him, I don't see us getting a player that can impact a game off the bench the way he could. (Mainly because he will have the ball in his hand to begin with)

If he had the mindset that he really wanted to win a 6th man award or two, get starters minutes, and help a team compete I would totally want him back too. He'd really be one of the best in the NBA in that role I think. And the best part is we get to see it for the rest of the season. At his age, I think he'll for sure end up going to a place where he can be the guy at PG though. There's not a lot of good options in free agency so he will for sure have options. Not to mention with that cap going up he'll get offered a decent pay day.

[Nastradamus]

We are seeing the true effect of the injury now and its probably killing his trade value. An achilles injury just crushes your shooting percentages the year after the injury.

Unfortunately, he's probably going to want a ton of money on the open market, but its possible we get him back on a one year prove it deal or something. '

I hear we are gong all in on Horford, so we probably won't spend for him. A team like OKC or NY might take a gamble on him and I'd be happy to get some value for him.

[dd24]

Does Horford make sense for this team? I'm not sure you can have two back to the basket guys like Horford and Drummond.

[Aussie Dunker]

Horford has always been a PG playing out of position as a C for pretty much his entire career save one or two years -

Milsap would make a ton more sense due to more athleticism and better deep shooting - but Horford is a REAL good defender in the paint, and has developed into a handy outside shooter - also one of the better passing big men in the league,

Not sure it is a perfect fit though, but Horford is one of those guys I feel could mesh incredibly well into any situation. A real good high IQ no nonsense guy -

Just not sure how we would defend the Paul George's and Melo's of the world at PF

[dd24]

The real question is how do they pay him? Dre is getting a max deal this summer. Reggie is currently on one. Horford likely gets one. The Pistons are going to have to pay KCP at some point. I'm not sure how they afford all of that.

[Nastradamus]

Does Horford make sense for this team? I'm not sure you can have two back to the basket guys like Horford and Drummond.

Horford's a really good midrange shooter. He plays D and he'd help space the floor for us

[Nastradamus]

The real question is how do they pay him? Dre is getting a max deal this summer. Reggie is currently on one. Horford likely gets one. The Pistons are going to have to pay KCP at some point. I'm not sure how they afford all of that.

Drummond delayed his extension so that we will have cap space to sign a max guy, then we go over the cap to sign him. Whether we pay KCP or not will be interesting. You have to spend to have a contender though. Think about SA paying LA,Duncan and Kawhi max deals, plus also Parker and Green 11 mil or so

[dd24]

Drummond delayed his extension so that we will have cap space to sign a max guy, then we go over the cap to sign him. Whether we pay KCP or not will be interesting. You have to spend to have a contender though. Think about SA paying LA,Duncan and Kawhi max deals, plus also Parker and Green 11 mil or so
I wouldn't necessarily say San Antonio is a good example. They're the 8th highest payroll in the league. Detroit is right behind them at 9th right now. But Cleveland, OKC, Golden State, and LAC are the top 4 and they're all good teams. No doubt you have to pay to be good.

[Nastradamus]

Basically we'd be SA without Duncan taking a paycut, haha

[dd24]

Today there were rumors of trading Cleveland for Kevin Love. We'd send Illysova, Morris, and KCP. It would hurt Detroit this season but be good in the long run.

[Aussie Dunker]

You know what - I LOVE that trad ^ as I think that there is no better PF in the league suited to playing next to Dre than Love would be in terms of style, however I would rather give up a first round pick than KCP -

I also would have reservations about Love thinking he "is the man" and "sulking" if we don't use him on offense as much as he would envision - I think he still sees himself as a #1 option / franchise centrepiece.

I think someone like Anderson can give us BETTER floor spacing, at a much CHEAPER price, and work just as well at PF next to Dre, and would not require to give up KCP. Even Miritic from the Bulls would be a great option -

I am not sure how it would work, but I hope Hawks pay Horford, and when Milsap's contract expires at the end of next season - I would love to swoop in on him - Great outside shooter / great rebounder / great defender / great attitude who would no doubbt understand this team is being built around Dre, and would be the veteran on a young team.

Dre
Milsap
Stanley
KCP
Reggie

In 2 years time that is top 3 seed in the East

[dd24]

They'd be a contender in a year or two with Love. I really don't like the idea of losing KCP at this point. He has proved he is going to be a very good defender in this league. SG is such a weak position in the NBA. Outside of Harden and Thompson there isn't much left. KCP still has some potential to be one of the better ones. I'm sure Cleveland wishes they would have kept Wiggins as a wing defender at this point. Thompson would have played his role at PF.

I like Anderson's shooting (as I think a lot of NBA teams do). He's so weak on defense that part would be tough. Even Anderson and Dwight weren't really contenders in Orlando. Maybe having a few top notch defenders in Dre, KCP, and Johnson around him would help though.

[Aussie Dunker]

^ it's hard to say they were not contenders when they were 3 games away from winning a championship, right?....

If we get rid of KCP, leaves a pretty big gap at the 2 guard, Meeks? Would be one of the worst starters in the league. Would have to make another trade or make a move in free agency, or try and get someone like Shump thrown in and a 2nd rounder back their way etc...

[dd24]

There's a big part of me that prefers perimeter defenders and a guy that can knock down a 3 in today's NBA compared to a PF.

[Nastradamus]

I'd love to find a way to land Love without giving KCP. They can have a 1st or two, ideally not next year's

[dd24]

I wouldn't give up multiple 1st round picks anymore. Ask the Lakers and Nets how that's working out for them.

[Aussie Dunker]

^^ Diff is Lakers and Nets were both getting OLD, we would still be super young -

Morris + Illy + 1st + 2nd for Love, in a heartbeat

Dre / Love / Stanley / KCP / Reggie = average age of 24

[dd24]

That would be a really good team.

[Aussie Dunker]

Defense / Rebounding / Play making / Deep shooting / Athleticism / High motor / Post scoring / Slashing / Defined roles

With an average age of 24 - Could be a very special team, could be the move that puts us into Contender status

[dd24]

Cleveland would definitely still be a contender in the East. That would make Detroit one too. I'm not to sure Cleveland would want that lol. I don't think either team could currently beat Golden State though.

[Nastradamus]

^^ Diff is Lakers and Nets were both getting OLD, we would still be super young -

Morris + Illy + 1st + 2nd for Love, in a heartbeat

Dre / Love / Stanley / KCP / Reggie = average age of 24

Yup, the perfect time to make a move like that is right as you are on the way up, before your picks get worse. Not the other way around

[dd24]

It sounds like the Pistons are going to wait to do something in free agency with their cap space rather than making trades.

http://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/01/20/pistons-reported-targets-in-free-agency-ryan-anderson-and-donatas-motiejunas/?ocid=Yahoo&partner=ya5nbcs

They're reportedly interested in Anderson and Motiejunas.

[Aussie Dunker]

Would be interesting to see how Ersan responds to a move to the bench - as he didn't appear to take it too well at the Bucks,

Having a Anderson / Illy / Morris type rotation at the 4 offensively really suits Dre, but we would need to bank on Stanley and KCP becoming stars on the defensive end to make up for the lack of D,

[dd24]

Ersan is going to have to be ok with it. I think we all agree PF is now the weakest position we have and that is where we need the upgrade. I would almost guarantee we draft a big man and also sign one in the off season.

[Aussie Dunker]

It is a longgggg way away, but there are some talented rangey PF's in this upcoming draft, at the moment we would have #19 -

[dd24]

Most seem to think we'd go after the C from UNLV. I've seen a few different mock drafts that predict that.

[Aussie Dunker]

Yeah I have seen that to but we are still 3 maybe 4 months away from the Mock drafts actually meaning anything - we could be anywhere from 13 to 22, i'd like to package everything we have and go after Love, without KCP involved, heck would they take Morris / Jennings / 1st / Ersan for Love?

[dd24]

It all depends on the other offers they would potentially get. I'm sure they would want someone to guard Curry.

[Aussie Dunker]

No one can guard Curry lol, but I would say Delly is a top 15 Curry guarder in the league,

Cavs dont really need Love's rebounding as they have Thompson, and Ily + Morris can cover his deep shooting and offense, plus they keep building with another first rounder in which they either use or trade for "win now" type players, I'd also throw in either Meeks or Jennings to give them another Toy for Lebron to kick it out to, preferably Jennings,

[Nastradamus]

An NBA , win now team is not going to sell off one of its stars for spare parts.

[dd24]

With the way Derrick Williams has been playing I would really consider sending Jennings to the Knicks for him. When Melo has been out he's been very good. Even the games where Melo has played Williams has still been productive lately. Maybe he finally figured it out. It would be another young piece to add to our other ones. Detroit could go small ball with him and Johnson. A few other guys I could see us looking at are Terrence Jones and Channing Frye. Jones defense is so terrible that would be a tough fit though. Even with Howard behind him he's bad so I can't imagine it would change here. Frye is obviously just a shooter off the bench for the most part, but he would drain 3's in that role.

[Aussie Dunker]

Also saw Pels are trying to trade Tyreke Evans - I hate him as a starter but love him as the leader of the second unit, just not sure he would be willing to play that type of role. Has crazy handles, great vision, a great drive and great size for a guard. Surround him with shooters and he could be real effective

Doubt we have the assets to make that type of deal work,

I'd consider moving Illy in a trade involving Williams, somehow. Really want to enter next season with Stanley as the starting SF

[dd24]

I don't want another guard. We really need a stretch 4 type player. Illyslova has been alright lately. I just don't view him as a long term solution. Also the thing with Evans is he's always injured.

[dd24]

It really sounds like the Pistons are going to wait until free agency to make a move.

http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2016/1/29/10870248/trade-rumors-ryan-anderson-detroit-pistons-espn-marc-stein

We will likely have a new starting PF next season.

[dd24]

It sounds like Brooklyn is interested in Jennings. The Pistons wanted Thaddeus Young, but the Nets didn't want to trade him. There's not really anybody else on their roster that I would want. I'm not even big on Young.

[ZMonkey11]

I like the team staying put as is. See what we get in the draft and have more talks about moving ghostface illy over the summer.

One thing I love about illy is he puts up his body for offensive charges and it has been energizing the Pistons at times. I haven't seen a Piston take charges like this since Ben Wallace.

[dd24]

I think Jennings is more important to us than Young would be right now. We really need a backup PG. If we move Jennings it would be a lot of Dinwiddie and that's not good for the team. I agree we need to see where we end up in the draft. Everyone is predicting we take a big man, but I could really see us grabbing a PG like Melo Trimble or Demetrius Jackson depending on where we pick at. This draft class is starting to look pretty weak. I'm getting more for moving that pick and just going with a proven commodity. Although I do really think having those first rounders is so extremely valuable with the cap going up.

[Aussie Dunker]

I LOVE Young - I love his skillset and team first mentality, great to elite defender and can play either F position -

However - I don't think he fits the makeup of our team, as his deep shot is somewhat limited.

Would love to have him as our 6th man, leader of the second unit - but not sure how he would feel about that

[dd24]

He's undersized to play PF full time and can't hit a 3 so I'm not certain he would be the best fit for us. He's an upgrade from Illy but probably not the right one.

[Aussie Dunker]

He has proven time after time he can guard PF's, but his outside shot really is not a factor. Great player that would suit playing next to a Boogie, Gasol, Vuvecic type player, ut not next to Dre,

Kind of reminds me of a smarter Josh Smith (detroit version, not Hawks version) as he can defend both F positions, can rebound strong, score well on the break - but he just knows he can't shoot 3's so he doesn't, unlike Josh Smith where he knows he can't shoot 3's but still jacks them up anyway! ha

[dd24]

If Cleveland gets Melo I think it's going to make things very difficult in this division. He definitely fits better next to Lebron. Especially when it comes to playing a team like Golden State. Even if we move Jennings, we won't be able to make a trade that puts us near that. I think it would be interesting seeing Melo without the ball in his hands in an iso all the time. But I guess it did work on team USA.

[dd24]

Well, the Tobias Harris thing finally happened. I guess they really did like him in the off season. So we lose Jennings and Illy. I'm not sure how it makes sense for Orlando (other than getting Gordon more minutes), but it makes sense for us. I'm not huge on Harris, but he is an upgrade and he's better than anyone we could have drafted at that position. It's the 2nd time a Scott Skiles team has traded Harris lol.

[dd24]

I guess this means we are not going after Ryan Anderson anymore.

[Aussie Dunker]

I like this, we clearly get the best player in this deal -

6-10 and surprisingly athletic, with the ability to score from all 3 levels. Not a sniper but atleast similar to say Morris from deep. Pretty good defender too -

Only 23 years old - pretty high on this move by SVG

Will wait to see if he makes another move regarding backup PG......

[dd24]

He's 6'9" and really it's probably more like 6'8". He's a bit small for PF, but there's not a ton of guys in the East that he'll have too much of a problem guarding. This off season the Pistons are not getting an impact player in the draft and the free agent class doesn't look good so turning an expiring contract into a 23 year old guy is a good move. Detroit has Reggie, Dre, Stanley, KCP, and now Tobias so it's a young core that should be able to grow together. I guess all Orlando gets out of the deal is a lot of cap space for this summer (though I'm not sure what they can do with it).

I too was wondering what the backup PG situation is going to be like. Dinwiddie has proven he just doesn't have the potential to do it. Blake hasn't impressed me. Maybe they go after the D-League all-star MVP in Jimmer, hahaha :lol

[Aussie Dunker]

Hey! I am not even kidding when I say Jimmer wouldn't be a bad option, haha, I would rather him on the floor than Blake. If anything, he provides elite deep shooting right?

[dd24]

I'm not sure if he's a fit but I'm really surprised that he's done so well and yet no team will give him a chance. Even the Spurs who love shooters cut him. I think it had more to do with him wanting to be a focal point of the offense rather than just playing a specific role though. Maybe his mindset is different now that he's been out of the league for a while. I think all those guys who are leading the D-League could have a legit chance in the league.

[Aussie Dunker]

We have a spare roster spot - how about we give Tony Wroten a shot?? Surely he could be a serviceable backup. Big athletic PG, can't shoot very well but is probably a better option than Blake and Spender at this stage?

[dd24]

[QUOTE]Vincent Ellis: League guy tells me #Pistons could seek reunion with #Thunder PG D.J. Augustin.

[dd24]

[QUOTE]Adrian Wojnarowski: Detroit is still probing the market for a veteran guard, league sources tell @The Vertical.

[Aussie Dunker]

Oh I would LOVE to get back Augustin, the perfect backup we could hope for. Veteran who is bot a great deep shooter and facilitator. Wonder what we would have to give up?

And wouldn't be keen on Lou - good player but he needs to be on a contender otherwise he will think he is the man

[ZMonkey11]

Oh I would LOVE to get back Augustin, the perfect backup we could hope for. Veteran who is bot a great deep shooter and facilitator. Wonder what we would have to give up?

And wouldn't be keen on Lou - good player but he needs to be on a contender otherwise he will think he is the man

Augustine back, yes. Wroten on our team? No. There is a reason he is not getting any PT in PHILADEPHIA. He's not good. He flashed brilliance a little last year and that's about it. For God's Sake, Ish Smith looks good on the 76ers.

I am very happy about Tobias. Finally got the player we really wanted in the first place.

Jennings is probably a move to clear out cap space, given he is off contract next year. Illy to make the trade manageable cap wise.

Happy days are here again. Let's make that ECF push!!!

[Aussie Dunker]

Wroten on our team? No. There is a reason he is not getting any PT in PHILADEPHIA

Probably because he isn't on their team anymore would be my guess to his decrease in playing time :roll:

[dd24]

Anyway around it, do we really think this moves us ahead of Indiana or Chicago?

[ZMonkey11]

Probably because he isn't on their team anymore would be my guess to his decrease in playing time :roll:

Yea...they sent him to their D-League team. Still in the system, does not get PT.

[ZMonkey11]

Anyway around it, do we really think this moves us ahead of Indiana or Chicago?

At the beginning of the year, I'd say yes, this would have pushed us passed Indiana. But dammit, I did not expect PG13 to be nearly rated R. Unfortunately, I don't think this pushes us past Indiana.

[dd24]

That's my thought. Chicago has some issues. They've been injured all season and their team just isn't quite what they were. It could get us ahead of them. Indiana still has the upper hand here I think. So it puts teams like Cleveland, Toronto, Atlanta, Boston, Indiana, and Miami in front of us. We're still probably a 7 or 8 seed. If we really played out of our minds we might make it to the 5 or 6 seed. It's not completely out of reach but it would be tough. Really the Pistons are probably still just a mediocre team this season. But at least they're headed in the right direction and a pick at 11 or 19 isn't really going to make much difference this season.

[Aussie Dunker]

Yea...they sent him to their D-League team. Still in the system, does not get PT.

On December 24, 2015, Wroten was waived by the 76ers

But I guess your point still stands, if the most historically worst team in NBA history waives someone, do we really want them? lol...

But again, who knows how he would go with some actual talent around him, I always thought he had some pretty good tools

[dd24]

I haven't looked it up but yeah, I'm pretty sure he was waived. I actually think he deserves a chance somewhere. He showed some promise in Philly. We like Dinwiddie (or did) and he's a 6'6" PG. I think Wroten has more game than Dinwiddie does. And he's actually proven it in the NBA. Nearly every time Dinwiddie has had a chance he was really disappointing.

[Aussie Dunker]

But, if we can swing Steve Blake for Augustin (which is the talked about deal) then that is the deal we make, no questions asked. He was so good for us off the bench, worked well with Dre

[dd24]

Why would anyone trade us Augustin for Blake straight up? Augustin is clearly the better player.

[Nastradamus]

Anyway around it, do we really think this moves us ahead of Indiana or Chicago?

THere is no way I would trade rosters with either going forward. Not a chance. Harris is an awesome fit in a SVG system. I think this team is ready to be a force. THey aren't a Cleveland type roster, but they are now right there with teams like last year's Atlanta and this year's Toronto. They need a couple backup Gs who can shoot 3s to finishing things off.

[Nastradamus]

Why would anyone trade us Augustin for Blake straight up? Augustin is clearly the better player.

Yes because Augustin is rotting on the bench and it saves OKC tax money, which they care about.

[dd24]

Toronto is alright this year. If they lose Derozen (which there's a huge chance) they're done with this run. Atlanta is trying to rebuild because they aren't good enough. Chicago we all knew was coming to an end of their run. I would say Indiana looks pretty good going forward though. Turner looks like he's going to be really good. Paul George is the best player in the division outside of Lebron James. Saying we're Atlanta or Toronto scares me. That was my worst thought that could happen as we were rebuilding. Being stuck in mediocrity. Not having a chance to win a title. We better hope our young guys improve greatly and one becomes a superstar.

[dd24]

Yes because Augustin is rotting on the bench and it saves OKC tax money, which they care about.
Then if I was KD I would think about making moves. Right now I think OKC is one of 4 teams that could win a title this season. Having as much talent on the roster as possible would be the best way to have that slight chance. Save money next year. This one they need to keep going for it.

[Nastradamus]

Then if I was KD I would think about making moves. Right now I think OKC is one of 4 teams that could win a title this season. Having as much talent on the roster as possible would be the best way to have that slight chance. Save money next year. This one they need to keep going for it.

Not overpaying your 3rd PG and 6th overall G has nothing to do with winning titles. This is just sillly and should not affect KD's decision at all.

[Aussie Dunker]

Payne has far surpassed DJ as the Thunder's backup PG, and especially with Westbrook playing heavy minutes, DJ is a complete non factor there, so saving $$ (approx 2 mil I think?) is a no brainer for them. And as a bonus, Blake will concede to being the 3rd PG and is already more of a coach type figure than player at this stage, so he would be able to be an effective mentor for Payne.

Makes a lot of sense on both sides, this should get done

[ZMonkey11]

On December 24, 2015, Wroten was waived by the 76ers

But I guess your point still stands, if the most historically worst team in NBA history waives someone, do we really want them? lol...

But again, who knows how he would go with some actual talent around him, I always thought he had some pretty good tools

Okay, I was misinformed. I thought he was demoted to the D-League team of the 76ers, meaning he can be recalled at any point. After research, yes he is a free agent right now.

[ZMonkey11]

Payne has far surpassed DJ as the Thunder's backup PG, and especially with Westbrook playing heavy minutes, DJ is a complete non factor there, so saving $$ (approx 2 mil I think?) is a no brainer for them. And as a bonus, Blake will concede to being the 3rd PG and is already more of a coach type figure than player at this stage, so he would be able to be an effective mentor for Payne.

Makes a lot of sense on both sides, this should get done

Don't know the salary figures, but if this is the case, I'd get er done. Augustine was amazing for that stretch last year.

[Detroit]

Don't know the salary figures, but if this is the case, I'd get er done. Augustine was amazing for that stretch last year.

We traded DJ and Singler for RJ and now there are talks of us trading Blake for DJ?

LMAO how great is SVG/Bower!!

[Nastradamus]

DJ's shooting at the backup PG spot would be much welcomed.

[dd24]

Looks like we just got Donatas Motiejunas and Marcus Thornton. We gave up our first round pick and Joel Anthony.

[dd24]

Motiejunas is a free agent at the end of this year I think so he could just walk and we lose that pick for nothing. Of course maybe that is part of their plan. Maybe they just want the cheaper 2nd round guys for the end of the bench. The draft is super weak this year after all. I think they could have possibly found a decent backup PG at the end of the 1st round though.

[Nastradamus]

He's a restricted free agent so I'm sure we plan to match.

This gives us a lot of options and a lot of shooting. Montejiunas means we can still have a pretty good player(compared to Baynes, who I do like to a degree) on the floor if Drummond is on the bench in the 4th quarter.

Thornon is basically Meeks, healthy, so he fits well behind KCP for now, and possibly even next year.

[dd24]

Yeah, they can match. And they might. He is an upgrade at backup C. I'm not a big fan of Baynes. Thornton can ball. But I don't want him to take minutes from Johnson. Let's not forget SVG has used him at SG too. I feel like Meeks or Thornton eventually gets moved for a backup PG. Blake being the backup scares me... a lot. We're really weak at that position. We kind of have a log jam at the wing. The Thunder traded Foye for Augustin. I wish we would have tried to move one of those guys for him (without looking to see if the salaries match).

[Nastradamus]

We didnt' have a Foye to offer them

[dd24]

Thornton or Meeks. Of course Meeks would need to be healthy. I think it would be very interesting if we could have tried for Trey Burke. That probably would have been a better use of our 1st round pick. I'm not sure what we could offer for him now.

[dd24]

I also think SVG envisions having Motiejunas on the court as the same time as Drummond. Donatas can be a stretch 4. He was pretty decent last season. This season he's been hurt all year but he says he's 100% healthy now. I just wonder if those two are on the court who is going to get the shaft with the minutes. Is it Morris or Johnson? I'm certain Morris will see less playing time now. That's not a bad thing. He's been playing too much anyhow and has times when he really slumps. I kind of wonder if SVG looks at him as a one or two year rental. He has a nice contract so he would be attractive to other teams. He could get moved for a really nice backup PG. Then you'd have Johnson, Harris, and Motiejunas getting plenty of PT. (If the resign Motiejunas of course). I think they must be letting Thornton walk. It's just too crowded on the wing right now.

[Aussie Dunker]

I kind of love this trade, I really like D-Mo, his footwork and post moves are insane - looks so comfortable with his back to the basket https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuOsp5ULymc

Not too concerned about losing our first rounder which would project (in my opinion after these trades) to be in the 16-20 range.

I like Baynes, but there is a time and place for him, D-Mo gives us a whole different look, and he can slide to PF quite easily if we want to go large.

Morris has been balling for us this year, so much better than I thought he would be, has really bought in to our system. Long term I would LOVE for him to be the leader of our second unit - but not sure he has the maturity or mentality to take on that role, as I think he sees himself as a starter, in a perfect world, our lineup next year would look like:

Dre / Baynes / D-Mo
Harris / D-Mo / Morris
Stanley / Morris
KCP / Meeks
Reggie

Would just need a backup PG, which would be our offseason focus,

Most of those players, especially those key pieces, are all 25 and under, we don't need anymore high draft picks - we just need to develop this young core, there is enough potential here, and SVG to continue adding pieces to the puzzle through free agency and trade.

Bottom line I loved our moves we made

[dd24]

Most of those players, especially those key pieces, are all 25 and under, we don't need anymore high draft picks - we just need to develop this young core, there is enough potential here, and SVG to continue adding pieces to the puzzle through free agency and trade.


We're not going to be up for anymore high draft picks. Part of our teams problem is we were never able to draft high enough. So there's for sure a chance Detroit is going to be stuck in mediocrity. This years draft pick doesn't matter much because it's just a weak draft. It could have been used to get a backup PG. We'll see how those guys turn out. We now need to hope the young guys we have really develop. KCP finally took some big steps this year. That's promising. He looked like a bust the past couple of seasons. Luckily the SG position is so weak in the NBA he has a chance to be a decent player at that position. When you think about really good SG's there's only Harden, Thompson, DeRozen, and Butler. There's a 2nd tier of guys like Beal but that list is short. And by the way Butler plays SF a lot too. So KCP does have a chance to break into that 2nd tier of guys next season. I really think he's an X-factor. The other one is Johnson. If he turns into something special that helps too. I think we know what we're going to get for the most part with the other guys. Hopefully they still get a bit better. I just really want this team to not get stuck in the middle of things. I've been so worried about that over the years. If they get stuck there it's a much longer rebuild. The cap goes up 20 million this season and 20 million next season so that helps things a bit.

[ZMonkey11]

We're not going to be up for anymore high draft picks. Part of our teams problem is we were never able to draft high enough. So there's for sure a chance Detroit is going to be stuck in mediocrity. This years draft pick doesn't matter much because it's just a weak draft. It could have been used to get a backup PG. We'll see how those guys turn out. We now need to hope the young guys we have really develop. KCP finally took some big steps this year. That's promising. He looked like a bust the past couple of seasons. Luckily the SG position is so weak in the NBA he has a chance to be a decent player at that position. When you think about really good SG's there's only Harden, Thompson, DeRozen, and Butler. There's a 2nd tier of guys like Beal but that list is short. And by the way Butler plays SF a lot too. So KCP does have a chance to break into that 2nd tier of guys next season. I really think he's an X-factor. The other one is Johnson. If he turns into something special that helps too. I think we know what we're going to get for the most part with the other guys. Hopefully they still get a bit better. I just really want this team to not get stuck in the middle of things. I've been so worried about that over the years. If they get stuck there it's a much longer rebuild. The cap goes up 20 million this season and 20 million next season so that helps things a bit.

I don't think we will get stuck in mediocrity at this point. The Bulls are on their way down. The Bucks aren't much of a threat at all. Who knows what is happening to Atlanta. Indiana will go as far as PG13 will take them, but they aren't the juggernaut they were 3 years ago.

The only team on the rise in the Central is us. Super young core. They like each other. They like their coach. SVG is pulling rabbits out of hats at this point. We are about to turn the corner.

LESSSS GO!!!

EDIT: I also think Toronto is at their peak power. I don't see them getting any better than where they are at. And Demar has the opportunity to leave next season and get PAAAIIIDDD. He is not going to accept his player option.

[dd24]

It sucked letting Monroe walk, but looking at the Bucks now they're going to have a very tough time with him. Chicago I'm 50/50 on. It depends on if they can retain Noah and Gasol. Their team needs to also stay healthy. I like Indiana. They need a PG, but they have for the last 4 years. I'm so glad we didn't offer Lance Stephenson all that money years ago like everyone wanted to. I knew he couldn't play.

[dd24]

I could really see Derozen going to the Lakers.

[Aussie Dunker]

DD24 - you make some good points like usual - but when you say we arn't able to draft high enough - pretty sure Dre would be a top 3 pick in any of the past 10 drafts, so he kinda of qualifies as that Blue Chip draft selection a team needs to get to the next level. Then we have top 10 talent in KCP and Stanley, and if one of them can develop into a borderline all-star, to join Reggie who is already a borderline all-star, then that sets us on the right path.

Our core of 5 or 6 players we are building around are all 25 and under, and ALL are on their way up to their peaks, not one has hit their prime yet... Which is exciting - which also means it is kind of hard to put a ceiling on this team.

SVG has earned an A scorecard from me so far, as both coach and GM (Would be an A+ if he was able to flip Monroe for atleast a draft pick or something)

[dd24]

What I'm hearing is the Pistons originally wanted Ryan Anderson. The deal was going to be a 3-way deal with New Orleans and Orlando. NO would have got Harris and the Pistons would have got Anderson. Detroit didn't do it because Anderson is going to be a FA and people are saying he's going to get 16-18 million next season. So teams were reluctant to try to trade for him because of that. Now the Pelicans are probably going to lose him and get nothing in return.

[ZMonkey11]

What I'm hearing is the Pistons originally wanted Ryan Anderson. The deal was going to be a 3-way deal with New Orleans and Orlando. NO would have got Harris and the Pistons would have got Anderson. Detroit didn't do it because Anderson is going to be a FA and people are saying he's going to get 16-18 million next season. So teams were reluctant to try to trade for him because of that. Now the Pelicans are probably going to lose him and get nothing in return.

I'm glad that didn't work out. I'd rather have Harris on the defensive end. He's not the quickest or elite, but he can be very physical with the elite swingmen and he doesn't back down when challenged. If he picks up his 3pt clip from last year, that is extra gravy.

Anderson is probably at his peak as a player and plateauing. And he is not versatile defensively.

[dd24]

Well it looks like we aren't getting Motiejunas after all.

[dd24]

I don't know if anyone has noticed but Motiejunas has actually been playing well lately when he's been getting minutes. I wonder what the real reason that trade didn't go down is. The more I look at it, him being healthy is probably better than the person we pick in the first round unless somehow there's a player that drops down somehow.

[dd24]

Motiejunas looked pretty good in a must win playoff game last night. I'm really wondering how that trade didn't go through lol.

[insidehoops]

Don't even remember why the trade failed

[dd24]

Haha, the Pistons said they were concerned with his health issues after going over his medical records. Everyone thought they just had buyers remorse and didn't want to give up their first round pick this year.