The Stan Van Gundy Front Office Chronicles
By Joe Imburgia
2015-16 Season
July 2015
The Detroit Pistons traded a 2020 second round pick to the Phoenix Suns for Reggie Bullock, Danny Granger, and Marcus Morris. Phoenix was attempting to clear some roster space to sign LaMarcus Aldridge but was eventually failed to sign him. The Pistons really capitalized on this opportunity that arose because getting Bullock and Morris for a second round pick is a great deal. Both players were not given a great opportunity to show their abilities in Phoenix and as a result their trade value wasn’t very high at the time.
In a starting role, Marcus Morris has gotten a chance to show that he’s a really solid player and is on a very team friendly contract, making just $15 million over the next three seasons. Reggie Bullock has shown flashes of his three-point shooting ability, hitting 41.5 percent from long range in limited play last season, but needs to be more consistent with his shooting and defense to be part of the rotation.
For the Pistons to get a very solid player in Morris and potential backup shooting guard in Bullock for just a measly second round pick is tremendous value. The third player in the deal Danny Granger, was battling injuries and eventually was released.
Later in the month, the Pistons signed Aron Baynes to a three-year, $19.5 million contract and Reggie Jackson to a five-year, $80 million contract. Those that were complaining about Jackson getting the max at that time, shouldn’t be anymore with the rising salary cap and the expensive contracts that were given out this summer.
February 2016
The Orlando Magic traded Tobias Harris to the Pistons for Ersan Ilyasova and Brandon Jennings. Stan Van Gundy again, was smart to trade away two average players on expiring contracts for Harris. Tobias Harris is good, young player who fits the timeline of the Pistons with the majority of their players being between the ages of 20-26. Harris is currently under contract for the next three years at a reasonable salary. The Pistons again came away as clear winners in this trade.
The Pistons also agreed in principle to acquire Donatas Motiejunas and Marcus Thornton from the Houston Rockets in exchange for the Pistons 2016 first round pick and Joel Anthony. This was a three-way trade also involving the Philadelphia 76ers. A few days later, the Pistons vetoed the trade, as they were not happy with Motiejunas’s physical/medical results.
June 2016
The Pistons selected Henry Ellenson and Michael Gbinije in the 2016 NBA draft. They also traded Jodie Meeks to the Orlando Magic in exchange for 2019 second round pick. This trade helped clear about $6.5 million in cap space for the Pistons to work with in free agency.
Next: 2016-17 Season