“The Detroit Pistons have reached a tentative agreement to trade Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess to the Denver Nuggets for Allen Iverson. Neither player was at this morning’s shoot-around. Team officials said that more information would be forthcoming later today.”
UPDATE:
Justin in the comments just mentioned that “Ric Bucher just said Cheikh Samb also included.”
UPDATE:
Just heard on WDFN that Dyess will be waived so we can resign him in 30 Days.
November 3, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Hate all you like, you’ll love the $30 million+ in the off season.
November 3, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Well, the worst part about this, is that Sheed is definitely gone soon. If not during the regular season, the end of the season for sure. I am going to miss this core, it is a crying shame we didn’t win more than 1.
November 3, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Americ..
AllStar game is a pickup game, exactly why it shows how much AI HATES to lose!!
I didn’t say AI is a good defender because he has more steals!
Do you really think Chauncy is a good defender? Our defense was good because we have good team defense. Chauncy lets most point guards get by him anyways. Name one great defender that’s a point guards?? You need help inside and on pick and rolls. Exactly why when ben was in his prime we are a great team on D. No point guard can stop guards like Chris Paul alone, you need quickness to at least stay with them. As far as I know, not many point guards besides Billups have a good post up game. So we are fine on defense.
November 3, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Just got off the phone with an inside source with the Pistons. The deal is finalized. The way the person I had spoken to sounded, Chauncey had an pretty big interest in going to Denver (his hometown).
Team seems excited to have A.I.. He brings a new scoring/slashing option to the Pistons.
Dyess will more than likely be back very soon, however Cheikh Samb may not be. Cheikh was very behind on his offseason workouts and was slower than he’s been in past years.
Look for Stuckey to start tonight against the Bobcats as well as Alex Acker coming off the bench.
November 3, 2008 at 2:30 pm
NO Way. IVerson is not a Piston type player. We don’t need a gunner. He don’t need someone who doesn’t know the teams strengths. ANd Dyess…Damn Dyess deserves better. The last 4 playoffs, Dyess has left it all out there
November 3, 2008 at 2:31 pm
As far as his D, the only matchup this team needs is vs Rondo, and AI is faster than Billups is, which was his weakness against Rondo.
November 3, 2008 at 2:36 pm
In the words of country start Kenny Chesney, “There goes my life.”
November 3, 2008 at 2:43 pm
I guess there are a few things we have to say goodbye to (for now):
1. Leadership. (Seeing how we kinda traded our LEADER!)
2. A 2009 title.
3. The team’s blue collar toughness.
4. The Core’s dream of a legacy.
5. One of the classiest guys in the game.
6. ‘Dyess’ chance of winning a ring.
7. The Pistons mentality that it takes a TEAM to win, not a superstar.
8. The dynamic duo.
9. And the list goes on and on…
I wonder how the rest of the guys feel about this?
Please tell me this is just a nightmare and I’ll wake up and it will all go away.
November 3, 2008 at 2:43 pm
gmac
you’re right man. you never mentioned steals in your post, that’s my fault. this whole thing is just playing with my emotions, and usually I’m very logical. So sorry about that, although I do believe everything I said about him is true I don’t like his defense. I think Chauncey could handle CP3, in fact he has, but I agree with the fluidics tht Chauncey struggled with Rondo’s quickness.
I’m a little bit calmer and more willing to give AI a chance, but I don’t like this move I think there are better guards out there we might have got for cheaper. I keep wondering if Joe D ever made a move for Deron Williams? OH well no use dwelling on that. I’ll miss Chauncey a lot and cheer for him when he comes back, but I can’t give up Dyess and this better not be a throwaway year for Joe just so he can make a run at DWADE Lebron and Bosh as free agents.
November 3, 2008 at 2:45 pm
A few things on the trade
1) Dyess is supposedly getting bought out by Denver and will re-sign with Detroit after the 30 day time period. So essentially we are only trading Billups and Samb (a project) and keeping our depth on the bench.
2) While I hate to see Billups go, he has played very subpar in the playoffs two years running, particularly against Cleveland (injury or not). He’s definitely the captain and a huge reason they have won so many games, but he kind of lost it in the playoffs the last few years and I don’t necessarily want to trust he’ll get his 2004 form back and watch him not for a third straight year. Not to mention Rodney Stuckey basically punched his ticket out of town. While I realize its only two games he has looked PHENOMENAL this season.
3) AI wants a ring now, and Detroit offers him a way better chance than Denver. His coexistence with Rip will definitely be interesting.
4) After this season, AI 21.93 and Sheed 13.68 comes off the book. Maybe they can resign one or both at reasonable rates, but if not that’s a TON of cap space to do stuff with (LEBRON in 2010!!!!). FYI, I examined his deal and the fact that Ben Wallace makes $90,000 more than LeBron this year is freaken hysterical. Billups deal wasn’t really that terrible as that “3rd year” was really a team option so is only 12.1 and 13.1 after this year. Still, AI give you way more flexibility.
5) Bottom line is that this give Detroit a HUGE lift for this year and chance at a ring and additionally gives them incredible flexibility for the future as they have nothing tied to AI if this experiment implodes. Plus they have Rodney Stuckey waiting in the wings to run this team.
November 3, 2008 at 2:52 pm
As far as leadership goes? We traded our leadership to Chicago a couple of years ago. Ben was the leader of this team, it was never Billups.
November 3, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Amanda
Agree with most of you’re list, I don’t know if we can say bye to a title we haven’t had in like 5 years, but I get what you mean by that
And who knows, maybe it is a nightmare. Maybe we are all in Antonio Mcdyess subconscious where he is dreaming all of this up and when he wakes up he is waking up to a world where the core is still in tact, he already has 4 rings working on his 5th, and the Sheed rule has been abolished because it was stupid.
Man I really need to get back to studying, Joe D, you’re move is messing with my future.
November 3, 2008 at 2:56 pm
I couldn’t believe this move when I first saw it, it should be a very interesting year to say the least. My thoughts on the trade are up on my blog. I can’t wait to see AI in a pistons uni, and wish Chauncey all the best in Denver.
November 3, 2008 at 2:59 pm
My first reaction was bad, but after looking at the numbers, this was a great trade by Joe D.
Everyone knows Billups and AI are both on the decline. But even in their primes, AI was and still is a better overall player than Chauncey Billups.
Plus, Billups has another 3-4 years on contract, AI’s contract is up this summer. Rasheed’s contract is up this summer, and I don’t know the circumstances with Rip Hamilton, but he could become a FA next year too.
Leaving a huge pile of money to throw at either Kobe this offseason, Lebron in 2010, or a couple star players to roll with Stuckey, AJ, and Tayshaun.
This is a great move by Dumars, looking out for the future of this team rather than the quick fix.
November 3, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Amanda, I think I’m feeling exactly what you are right now. My life revolves around Chauncey and I am still in utter shock. I immediately got phone calls, texts and e-mails from both friends and business associates who knew I’d be ready to stick my head in the oven
November 3, 2008 at 3:21 pm
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-36-1/Joe-Dumars-Strikes-Again.html.
did u know that the pistons just saved sooooo much monney if rip doesnt opt out this year and if sheed doesnt resign or resigns for one year then the pistons could get bosh and lebron both for max contracts!!! its unlikely to get both but even wade or soooo many free agents. so many good players available.
November 3, 2008 at 3:22 pm
for 2010
November 3, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Why does everyone insist on getting another superstar I just don’t get it… We’ve prided ourselves being blue collar and a TEAM… I think everyone’s true colors are coming out now…
November 3, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Why are we all focusing on cap room? you all seem happier about the $30+ million salary loss than the addition of a phenominal scorer with potential to win this team a championship. I’m not trying to start an argument, I’d just like to know some of the reasons you don’t like this trade. The only possible reason I could think of is our lack of a genuine point guard. Iverson is an upgrade from Billups and can help this team win.
November 3, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Because the cap space part of it is a fix for the future, it’s a huge piece to build on, whether AI works here or not. It’s a good deal because it helps the Pistons now, and down the line.
November 3, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Fair point, it’s a big part of the deal, but we have the opportunity to win a ship with AI, and it seems people are more focused on upcoming free agents.
November 3, 2008 at 4:19 pm
KG I second your statement, although I think some fans were looking for a change more than a superstar.
Joe
This works from a financial standpoint, but as a player I don’t like AI coming here I don’t think he can help with a ship though anything’s possible. But I think the fact people are thinking about free agents signals how some fans don’t see AI as the missing piece, I know I don’t (but I’m going to keep offering the disclaimer that it is possible)
He can’t play d, we have enough scorers on this team and we don’t need a volume scorer at the position that is supposed to get the ball where it needs to go, he’s old, he wants to win a championship, but it has yet to be seen whether he’ll sacrifice stats to do it. Especially with the way RIP plays, we need a playmaker not a scorer. AS well as no training camp together can really hurt even if the trade is this early
November 3, 2008 at 4:21 pm
The hole deal about us having enough money to get Bosh reminds me of one thing all over again.
The Darko pick…………..pulling my hair now.
November 3, 2008 at 4:23 pm
when someone said that the blue collar toughness is lost do you not know about AI? how he had so many injuries and yet he is still in the game and being undersized. Anyway i wonder how Rip is going to handle this, he and chauncey had such a good connection and AI is going to have to be just as effective to keep Rip scoring good. Also, how would the lineup look? AI is not a pure point guard and he creates his own shots. If we ask AI to be a passer first how affective can he be?
November 3, 2008 at 4:26 pm
gmac hahaha but we thought we had time to develop Darko we didn’t need Bosh back then though Bosh to me is kinda soft.
Also someone correct me if I’m getting the facts wrong, but didn’t Denver offer Allen Iverson over the summer and Joe D turn it down because he wanted Carmelo? I could be wrong but if that is the case then this seems to be a trade for the sake of trade
November 3, 2008 at 4:35 pm
The trade this summer was AI for Chauncey and Prince. That is a bad deal. AI for Chauncey and Dyess is a great trade. Prince is far too valuable to be a throw in on a trade.
November 3, 2008 at 4:45 pm
We drafted Amir to develop him. It’s not about needs or time. It’s about seeing the right player out of Melo, Wade, Bosh and Darko…
Anyways. Getting Stuckey’s draft pick with the darko trade ain’t bad.
November 3, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Horrible Trade.
Billups Played HUGE in the finals. Iverson is a Star yet but takes way too many shots and isn’t a great team player. He isn’t a proven champion that Billulps is. I thought this team this year with a new coach had a chance at the Finals. Now i know they don’t.
November 3, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Steve, You sounded you just woke up from a coma in the year 2005. Delusional!
November 3, 2008 at 5:11 pm
at the time many people thought Darko was going to be at the level the others are but they also saw him as a project for the future. He could block, he could shoot the ball with range, but he was very young, so the Pistons thought he could be a great player with the veterans guiding him, it just didn’t turn out that way, but he is a solid player in terms of defense and shot blocking now. But as you can see teams are less likely to take chances on overseas players who are more hype than substance. Which is why I agree with your point about sometimes drafting on potential is a huge gamble, sometimes it works out Dwight Howard for example. Although good can come from bad as you point out with the Rodney Stuckey thing, although some say because we have Rodney that is why Chauncey was expendable, so by the tranitive property Darko cost us Chauncey.
November 3, 2008 at 5:12 pm
I CANNOT stand Allen Iversen, he is not a team player, he does NOT fit the team mold that we have, and I cannot believe that Joe D. sold Chauncey out, after all he did to keep him.
November 3, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Let’s wait and give Iverson a chance! Damn people, I know Chauncey is gone and I loved him but we need to calm down and let Iverson play basketball!
November 3, 2008 at 5:14 pm
meant transitive property
November 3, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Si Iverson se mantiene sano y todavia tiene hambre de un campeonato sera interesante, pero no lo creo. Siento bastante la partida de Chauncey porque al final habia encontrado una casa, pero bueno, despues de todo el ya fue campeon y MVP, el ya no tiene que demostrar nada a nadie, Iverson en cambio, no ha demostrado nada y tendra bastante que demostrar en el Palacio de Auburn.
November 3, 2008 at 5:19 pm
I think Joe D. is changing the “team mold”. It isn’t going to be about the half court grind, long range bombing. This is going to be a younger, run and gun western conference style team.
November 3, 2008 at 5:20 pm
AI hasn’t yet proven he can be a legitimate defender – it doesn’t mean he can’t be one. In the past Iverson played on teams averaging 40 minutes per game as a primary scorer. With Hamilton and Stuckey sharing minutes, as well as 4 other players on the floor that can score, there should be less pressure on him to produce. Passing should become more common and expect Curry to get him in a defensive state of mind.
November 3, 2008 at 5:22 pm
I used to hate AI too, as much as I hate Kobe. They were selfish ball hoggers. But understand , he never played with a good team with good character players. But my respect for AI came many years ago when Jorden played his last All Star Game, Jordon was ALMOST gonna be the hero for hitting that fade way, because AI played like it was a playoff game. (East still lost) AI plays hard, he HATES to lose. That’s exactly the person we need on the team even for just a year.
I still don’t like Kobe much now, but he’s changed. He doesn’t even look for his shot in the first quarter now. It really depends on who you play with and who you think the team will/can accomplish.
I never thought we could win this year anyways. So lets see what we can do now, with a bright future secured.
November 3, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I think his D was just fine in Philly. As for Denver, you could have put the best defender in the league on that team, he would still look bad because they didn’t play d as a whole.
Now I’m not saying he’s got great D, but he’ll get his steals that turn to fast break points.
November 3, 2008 at 5:59 pm
oh my god, My heart is crying out loud. I cant believe this, this is just a shock a because we didnt see it coming. The season has barely begun, how could you possibly know what Chauncey is capable of this year, AI brings a different element to the team, its not going to be the same, just wait and see by the end of the season this will be a whole other team, there will only be the youngsters and AI, its not cute and I cant believe that this has happened like this, the Pistons dont have superstars, they dont’t care who get the glory, but it will change now ,just wait and see!!!
November 3, 2008 at 6:12 pm
This is a great move… we’re about to see the Pistons become the most dominant team in the league (if they weren’t already). Playing at a faster tempo will mean more dunks and layups for the athletic guys on the team, mainly Prince, Amir, and Maxiell. Defensively, I don’t think this will be a big change. Billups was good, but he always had the benefit of playing with dominant defenders who made his job easier. AI is always on eof the league leaders in steals, and he’ll improve our defense against fast PG’s like Tony Parker or Chris Paul. If we meet the Lakers in the finals, he’ll run circles around Derek Fisher. And of course there’s also the cap room that this move will open up for us in the future. Trust me, this is a great move.
November 3, 2008 at 6:51 pm
I agree this is a great move Joe, but I see the main test being whether or not he can guard the likes of Calderon, Miller and eventually Chris Paul. Iverson getting his head down and working hard on defense may be the key to this trade’s success.
November 3, 2008 at 7:43 pm
for those thinking this was a good trade do you remember how the tigers traded for miguel cabrara thinking this all star was great and look what happened. Bringing in someone who needs to be effective will not help this team
November 3, 2008 at 7:44 pm
meant needs the ball to be effective
November 3, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Wow, I am floored by this trade.
I have the utmost respect for Chauncey Billups and appreciate everything he has done for this team. Class act all the way. However, I am excited to see how this will play out for the Pistons, not only for this season but for the future as well. Carlos Boozer in a Pistons uniform is a sweet image.
Can they still retire Chauncey’s jersey at the Palace?
November 4, 2008 at 4:21 am
worst trade!!!!
November 5, 2008 at 7:31 am
Pros-cons, pros-cons. everything in life has pros and cons.
yeah, we may have given up a something on defense, but hey, 80% Detroit Pistons defense is still better than the 100% defense of what other teams bring to the court.
how about questioning the other team’s defense, could you imagine how they would defend a double team magnet, the best player moving without the ball, a versatile swingman who’d might as well be the point guard, a big man who can bring it down low as well shoot the three and make smart passes, and an athletic freak who has a knack of getting offensive boards, not to mention the bench(who could very well be starters on another team)? I can’t.
If AI buys into the team mantra of ‘WE WORK AS ONE’, and fits into the team chemistry, I like our chances of winning the ship, otherwise, he could still be traded in febuary (or can he?).
October 3, 2009 at 12:23 am
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE TRADE NOW, ALL YOU HATERS OF CHAUNCEY?? we were freakin bad and its all his fault. it messed up out chemistry and now we are one of the worst teams. ENJOY IT! ITS ALL YOUR FAULT! and all of you wanted chauncey to leave. shame on you. he took them to eastern conf. while we were getting swept first round