Detroit Free Press writer Vince Ellis on shedding Tayshaun Prince, trading Richard Hamilton, re-signing Tracy McGrady and selling the Detroit Pistons
By Dan Feldman
Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press chatted with readers Friday, and he provided insight on a number of issues.
Shedding Tayshaun Prince
"If Tayshaun is allowed to expire, will Detroit make him an offer this summer? If so, what might it look like?Vince: Very doubtful on both sides."
"Vince: Pistons have a replacement for Tayshaun. And look at their needs. Frontcourt help, they have to give Stuck a raise and they want to keep T-Mac around. And without trading Rip, cap space will be limited. And you got to figure the new CBA will make things even harder"
I wonder if Ellis has first-hand knowledge of the Pistons’ intentions for Tayshaun Prince, is basing his prediction on Detroit’s apparent path or both.
From what we’ve seen this season, merging the past and future creates a difficult situation. So, it would make sense for the Pistons to let Prince walk if he’s still with the team past the trade deadline (although, if that’s the plan, trading Prince before the deadline makes more sense).
It seems possible Detroit would allow Prince to leave for nothing in the summer, too. Joe Dumars has not been shy about letting key players leave through free agency. Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess all signed elsewhere once their cost passed what would have been wise for Detroit to spend.
On the other hand, those three were all older when Dumars let them leave than Prince will be this summer. Plus, Prince has made it this far with the Pistons, and he’s the only key member of the contending teams Dumars drafted. It’s safe to say Dumars feels fondly about Prince.
Trading Richard Hamilton
"What are the rumors on trading Rip? If Joe D is going to make a deal, it needs to be soon.Vince: No rumors now except the Pistons would like to deal Rip. Read today’s column for possible landing spots but it’s pure speculation."
So much for the Timberwolves. Kaaaaahn!!!!!
Re-signing Tracy McGrady
"What are the chances of Joe Dumars signing Tracy Mcgrady long term? I think he can take us back the promise land, big surprise this yearVince: The chances are good. Dumars has always liked T-Mac and T-Mac likes it here. He isn’t a ring chaser so he’s looking for a place where he’s comfortable."
I think there are a few reasons the Pistons are more likely to re-sign Tracy McGrady than most people think:
- Arnie Kander has kept McGrady healthy for the first time in years.
- McGrady’s low cap hold gives the Pistons flexibility (assuming the Collective Bargaining Agreement doesn’t change in this regard).
- McGrady never struck me as a guy who will do anything to win a title.
- Joe Dumars treats veterans with respect, and they often reciprocate that.
Selling the Pistons
"What’s the latest you are hearing on the Piston’s sale? Is there any end in sight to the year-long limbo this sale has become?Vince: Not at liberty to say, but I get the feeling process is close to an end. But until we get official word or a signed agreement you have to be careful. This process has had many turns."
"Vince: Gores is in a 30-day negotiating window with Karen Davidson. That sounds like final negotiations to me."
Does Ellis know something? Or his he just basing his feeling on Gores holding an exclusive 30-day negotiating window. Remember, Mike Ilitch also held an exclusive 30-day negotiating window.