Pistons trade-value rankings No. 12: Joel Anthony

Oct 29, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Detroit Pistons center Joel Anthony (50) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 89-79. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Detroit Pistons center Joel Anthony (50) during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 89-79. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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I’m a sucker for Bill Simmons’ trade-value rankings. So, I created a list using the same criteria – production, contract status and age – for the Pistons. The order runs lowest-to-highest value.

No. 12 Joel Anthony

2014/15
Joel Anthony$3,800,000

Look how far the Pistons have come. Their third-least-valuable player is on an expiring contract.

The Heat had attach a first rounder (albeit one likely to become two second rounders) to trade Anthony to the Celtics last year. But by the time the Pistons got him his fall, his value had become mostly neutral.

At 32, Anthony doesn’t provide much on the court. But his expiring contract could be useful in facilitating a bigger deal. It at least won’t get in the way of anything.