The Piston Post » free agency

McDyess to the Spurs

Adam — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:09:35 +0000

Antonio McDyess has agreed to sign with the San Antonio Spurs, according to HoopsWorld. It’s likely to be a three-year deal, which is pretty hefty for Dice’s condition, but good for him because I’m sure he was looking for someone who would sign him for at least two years. Guess this is Dice’s final push for a ring.

This could also open the door to signing the Mavs’ forward Brandon Bass.

It’s a shame we had to lose another veteran to another team that I absolutely hate. At this point, however, I really don’t blame him for leaving.

By: Steve Kyler – HoopsWorld

Former Piston forward Antonio McDyess has agreed to join the San Antonio Spurs. Word is he’ll sign a three-year deal with two years fully guaranteed and a third non-guaranteed year. McDyess coming off the market also changes the path of Brandon Bass, rumor has it that New Orleans and Orlando are the strongest suitors for Bass, however sources close to Brandon’s camp say with McDyess leaving Detroit, the Pistons who have a little bit of change left under the salary cap after deals with Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva will pursue Bass.

All of it may be futile, as it’s believed the Dallas Mavericks have told Bass to find his best deal and they would likely match it. Bass is unrestircted so he can choose any team he likes, but if the Mavericks will top the best offer he receives, he may be a free agent ghost.
Magic GM Otis Smith is expected to take the entire seven days before making a final decision on restricted free agent Marcin Gortat, with an informed sources saying Otis intend to play Gortat against Bass, saying to Bass if he does not make a decision on Orlando the team would match Gortat. It’s believed Antonio McDyess was the second name on Orlando’s wish list.

Sheed a Celtic

Adam — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 01:13:13 +0000

After many successful, frustrating years with Detroit, Rasheed Wallace has committed to the Boston Celtics. As a Sheed fan since his early Blazer days, the move to the rival Celtics stings. San Antonio and Orlando wouldn’t have been much better, but the Celtics may be the worst place he could have landed from a Pistons fan’s point of view.

I’m actually pretty surprised he signed with Boston, considering his playing time will be considerably lower compared to signing with the Magic or Spurs. The Celtics will likely use their mid-level exception and sign him for two years. $5.6 million is a bargain for Sheed will probably do when he’s on a Boston roster that actually motivates him.

I will remember Sheed like I remember Michael Jackson: blocking out all the “questionable” things he did in his career. I guess that includes signing with the Boston Celtics. Guess I should’ve seen it coming.

From Boston Globe:

An NBA source said tonight that Detroit free agent forward Rasheed Wallace has committed to sign with the Celtics on July 8 when free agents are able to sign. Wallace is expected to get a two-year deal using the mid-level exception (expected to be about $5.6 million to $5.8 million). Celtics All-Star trio of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, owner Wyc Grousbeck, coach Doc Rivers and president Danny Ainge met with Wallace last week. Wallace turned down overtures from Orlando and San Antonio to commit to Boston.
The Celtics also have interest in Suns free agent forward Grant Hill. Despite a Fanhouse report that Rivers was to meet with Hill today in Orlando, its uncertain if he did and Rivers declined comment. All Boston can offer is the $1.9 million bi-annual exception.

Shopping spree continues, Pistons sign Villanueva

Adam — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:56:55 +0000

The signing of Ben Gordon was almost immediately followed by news that the Pistons were signing Bucks forward Charlie Villanueva to a 5-year contract worth $35 million, according to ESPN.com.

It’s a good thing this happened after the Gordon signing, because this move give Joe Dumars a smidgen if his reputability back. I have always liked Villanueva and believe he is grossly underrated. $7 million a season is fair for Chuck’s talent level and will be a bargain when he continues to improve. Really, the guy’s a potential all-star.

But Ben Gordon, not so much. And yet his contract entails $20 million more over the 5 years. I’m confused at Dumars’ logic…and that’s saying it politely.

Yahoo Sports:

Gordon will receive a five-year contract worth around $55 million while Villanueva’s five-year deal is expected to be worth about $35 million.

Gordon and Villanueva, who played together for a year at UConn, traveled to Detroit on Wednesday morning to meet with Detroit president Joe Dumars and other Pistons front-office officials. They took a tour of the practice facility in Auburn Hills, had lunch with management and both ultimately came to terms on an agreement. Gordon agreed first and Villanueva followed soon after.

Dumars signs Gordon, loses all credibility

Adam — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:20:35 +0000

I am in denial. Apparently, Joe didn’t read my heart-warming letter. One year is one thing, but signing this guy for five years? Plan on five more seasons just like the last one (or until the Pistons can unload that massive contract).

From Yahoo! Sports:

The Detroit Pistons have reached agreement with free-agent guard Ben Gordon(notes) on a five-year contract worth around $55 million, a source with knowledge of the talks told Yahoo! Sports Wednesday evening.

The Pistons are continuing to negotiate with forward Charlie Villanueva(notes).

July 8 is the first day free agents can sign contracts.

Gordon and Villanueva, who played together for a year at UConn, traveled to Detroit on Wednesday morning to meet with Detroit president Joe Dumars.

Dear Joe Dumars, Please Don’t Sign Ben Gordon.

Adam — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:11:31 +0000

If I was cool enough to be able to reach Joe Dumars, I would write him a letter.
I like to keep things brief, so the letter would look something like this:

Mr. Dumars,

I am a loyal Pistons fan. Look, I even have a Pistons blog. But knowing Ben Gordon is at the Palace right now makes me a bit queezy.
Remember how Allen Iverson did with Detroit? Imagine having a player who takes double as many shots, only half of them were ill-advised threes from five feet beyond the arc. Sounds bad, huh? Well, that’s what you’ll be watching if you sign Ben Gordon.
Did I mention the word “defense” isn’t in his vocabulary?

Sincerely,
The Piston Post