Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Tayshaun Prince out indefinitely with disk rupture

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November 8

Detroit Free Press

"It looks as if the Pistons will have to do without small forward Tayshaun Prince for the foreseeable future. The Pistons announced Saturday that Prince will be out indefinitely due to a small disk rupture in his lower back after an MRI exam confirmed the injury. The Pistons didn't give a timetable, but said Prince is being treated for the injury and will be evaluated further. Such an injury typically heals through rest, and surgery usually isn't necessary. But it's hard to say how long the recovery will be. Coach John Kuester was first informed there was something wrong with Prince's back at Tuesday morning's shoot-around, and Prince's streak of 436 consecutive starts ended that night in a ..."

Pistons' Hamilton out for two games

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October 30

Detroit Free Press

"Richard Hamilton (sprained right ankle) will miss tonight's home opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Pistons coach John Kuester said he will also miss Saturday night's game at Milwaukee. Ben Gordon, who was signed in the off-season, will get the start in place of the 10-year veteran."

Richard Hamilton, Allen Iverson agree: Curry caused Pistons' problems

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October 29

Detroit News

"Memphis Grizzlies guard Allen Iverson says his time in Detroit would have been more pleasant had John Kuester been the coach instead of Michael Curry. "It would have been a hundred percent different -- a thousand percent better," said Iverson, who won't play Wednesday night in the Grizzlies' opener against the Pistons as he's recovering from a hamstring injury. "I would have known what I was getting into. Kue would have been straightforward with me on how things were going to be." Iverson knows Kuester from Kuester's days as an assistant under Larry Brown. Iverson was acquired by the Pistons from Denver for Chauncey Billups last season. "I was ecstatic about it (the trade) when I first ..."

Kwame Brown (hand) should be ready for Pistons' regular season opener

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October 25

Detroit Free Press

"Pistons center Kwame Brown sat out Friday night's victory over the Milwaukee Bucks with a sore left hand, but Kuester said in a text Saturday that it was just a precaution. In fact, Kuester added that the X ray on his hand turned out OK and Brown will be good to go when the season starts Wednesday at Memphis. Brown suffered the injury early in training camp and said this week it was getting progressively worse, but it appears that the remedy for now is rest as he missed Thursday night's loss to the Timberwolves as well."

Isiah 'blindsided' by Johnson's book

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October 23

New York Post

"A feud between Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas escalated yesterday when the former Knicks president lashed out at the Lakers legend for destroying him in a new book. That Johnson stated his longtime mistrust of Thomas smacks of irony. In 2004, Johnson strongly lobbied to then Garden president Steve Mills to hire Thomas to run the Knicks. Johnson was initially offered the Knicks presidency but turned it down. Mills left the Garden more than a year ago to work for Johnson. In the book, "When the Game was Ours," Johnson admitted he led the charge to have Thomas blackballed from the Olympic Dream Team in 1992 and, shockingly, accused Thomas of spreading rumors he was gay/bisexual after Johnson ..."

Kwame Brown to have X-rays on hand as injuries mount for Pistons ahead of opener

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October 22

Michigan Live

"The Detroit Pistons want to improve their play on defense before the regular season begins next week. But it might prove difficult without two of their top defensive stoppers. One week before the start of the regular season, center Kwame Brown and forward Tayshaun Prince still are recovering from nagging injuries. Brown said after practice Wednesday he was scheduled to receive X-rays on Thursday morning on his injured left hand, which has worsened in recent days. Brown is questionable for Thursday's preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Meanwhile, Prince's status also is questionable because of an injured big toe, which he cut and sprained in a preseason game Oct. 13 against ..."

Pistons' Jerebko could be suspended over dustup

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October 7

Detroit Free Press

"The NBA is reviewing the Monday altercation between Detroit Pistons rookie Jonas Jerebko and the Heat's Jamaal Magloire, with suspensions being a possible punishment. They were ejected from the preseason opener at the Palace with 5:04 to play in the Pistons' 87-83 victory. The two players were going for a rebound when it appeared punches were exchanged. "He got me on the nose, and I got him back," Jerebko told reporters afterward. "What can I say?" If suspensions are deemed warranted, Jerebko could miss the team's Oct. 28 season opener at Memphis. Meanwhile, Pistons coach John Kuester said after today's practice that it's likely forward Charlie Villanueva will miss his second preseason ..."

Iverson: Pistons lied about his role on the team

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October 2

Memphis Commercial Appeal

"Allen Iverson spent his third day of training camp with the Grizzlies being vocal on the court as the team held spirited scrimmages. Iverson, a 34-year-old veteran, delivered some choice words off the court, too. But Iverson's comments were directed at his former team. Iverson told ESPN columnist Scoop Jackson that former Detroit Pistons head coach Michael Curry "lied" to him about coming off the bench instead of starting. "They told me, straight up, 'Allen we would never disrespect you or your career like that' by making me come off the bench," Iverson said in an interview with ESPN.com. "That's what they told me to my face. And after that, I never thought about it again. I just went back ..."

Pistons scouts expected at Serbian team's exhibition

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September 22

Detroit Free Press

"For what it's worth, Pistons personnel is expected to scout Partizan Belgrade's exhibitions against the Midwest All-Stars next week. Partizan is one of the top pro teams in Serbia and boasts Czech forward Jan Vesely, who is seen as a lottery pick in the 2010 NBA draft by draftexpress.com. The team will play the Midwest All-Stars on Sunday in Hammond, Ind., and Sept. 30 in Macomb before heading west for a pair of exhibitions against NBA teams. Former NBA player Vlade Divac sits on Partizan's board, and one of his associates, Alex Dimitrijevic, spoke highly of Vesely. "He would make a good 6-11 swingman," Dimitrijevic told the Chronicle of Purdue-Calumet. "That's why we're expecting most of ..."

Was Iverson lied to by the Pistons?

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September 15

Detroit Free Press

"The Memphis Commercial Appeal ran its big this-is-Allen Iverson article on Sunday, and there was a big chunk about his season with the Pistons. Including this: Iverson was lied to by the team. Can you believe it? Here is an excerpt from Scott Cacciola's story: "He went there, and he couldn't really trust what people had told him," said Gary Moore, Iverson's business manager and grade-school football coach. "People in Detroit weren't very truthful with him." According to Moore, Iverson had been told that he would be the leader of the team when he arrived, and that was not what played out. The players were upset that the front office had traded away Chauncey Billups, Moore said. Iverson was ..."

Pistons sign first-round pick Austin Daye

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August 6

Detroit Free Press

"Austin Daye is busy in Las Vegas working on his game and trying to get stronger so he can take the pounding he will definitely receive when the season begins Oct. 28. But the Pistons' first-round pick found time Wednesday to agree to terms on a pro contract. Daye's father, Darren, a former NBA player, said they were "excited." "Every kid that signs their first contract is excited and ready to get to work," Darren Daye said. "He knows he has to get better and get to work and prepare for the upcoming season." Official terms weren't immediately available, but the NBA operates under a rookie salary scale, and the first two years of the deal will be guaranteed with a team option for a third ..."

Joe Dumars will add at least one post player

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July 31

Detroit News

"Pistons President Joe Dumars said he will add at least one more big man to the roster before fall training camp, and former Piston Ben Wallace remains in that mix. But Dumars said the team wants to keep its options open before making a final decision. "Ben Wallace is someone we're discussing, but no decision has been made," Dumars said Thursday via text message. Wallace (6-foot-9), 35 next month, has expressed interest in returning to the Pistons, for whom he played from 2000-2006. He left after signing a four-year, $60 million free-agent contract with the Chicago Bulls. Wallace was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers but was released after the season and remains an unrestricted free agent ..."

Report: Brian Hill coming to Pistons as assistant coach

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July 25

Detroit Free Press

"The Star-Ledger in New Jersey reports that Nets assistant coach Brian Hill is leaving the bench led by Lawrence Frank to become the lead assistant for John Kuester and the Pistons. The newspaper said Hill informed the Nets Thursday that he was leaving. "The toughest part is leaving Lawrence and Rod, who have been so good to me over the years, and I love the guys - we have a great group of kids to work with," Hill said from Wyoming, where he's back on family vake. "So it's a tough decision, but for my own future -- and to help John (Kuester), who I know and respect - I've accepted the position. John's putting together a good staff, and hopefully we have a good enough group to be a playoff ..."

Big Ben Wallace will return -- to the Detroit Pistons

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July 24

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Shortly after the Cleveland Cavaliers traded Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic to the Phoenix Suns for Shaquille O'Neal last month, it was speculated once Wallace took a buyout, and if he didn't retire, that he would return to either the Cavaliers or the Detroit Pistons. Wallace took a $10 million buyout from the Suns. He left $4 million on table. Well, rumors have circulated that Wallace, who had his best years as a pro in Detroit, will sign a one-year deal with the Pistons. A healthy Wallace would be a valuable asset for the Cavaliers off the bench. His toughness is needed in the Cavaliers lineup. But it appears that Wallace's toughness will return to Detroit."

Ben Wallace-to-Pistons speculation gathers momentum

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July 24

Detroit Free Press

"There's growing speculation that Ben Wallace might return to the Pistons. The team wants another frontcourt player, and Wallace could be signed for the veteran's minimum of $1.3 million. Writes Alex Raskin of HoopsWorld: "Even if he is unsure he wants to continue his career, he is the type of player that doesn't need to be in camp to contribute to a team. Don't be shocked to see him sign midway through the season, just as P.J. Brown did for the Celtics two years ago." Sekou Smith wrote in a blog for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that "one of my best spies up north insists that it's just a matter of time before Wallace returns to the Pistons.""

Pistons turned down Davis-for-Maxiell trade

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July 22

Detroit Free Press

"Not sure that this is valid, but it seems feasible. Yahoo! Sports reports that Boston offered the Detroit Pistons power forward Glen (Big Baby) Davis and guards J.R. Giddens and Gabe Pruitt for forward Jason Maxiell and a first-round pick. The Pistons supposedly turned down the trade "quickly." The report also states that the Pistons, Trail Blazers and Hornets have tried to work a sign-and-trade deal for Davis. It's no secret that the Pistons were interested in Big Baby to fill out their frontcourt, but that window seems to have closed with Detroit's signing of Chris Wilcox. For what it's worth, even though this deal is past its prime, here are the 2008-09 scoring averages of the players ..."

Latest chatter: Sessions over A.I.?

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July 17

ESPN.com

"Here is the latest assemblage of chatter culled from conversations with a variety of knowledgeable sources -- front-office executives, coaches, players and agents -- camped at the NBA's annual summer league here in Vegas. The distinct vibe in the stands at UNLV's Cox Pavilion is that the Clippers -- apart from owner Donald Sterling -- would greatly prefer to add more of a set-up man to a backcourt rotation that already features Baron Davis and emerging star Eric Gordon as opposed to signing Allen Iverson to a one-year deal up to the full $5.9 million midlevel exception. The top choice in that scenario? Extending an offer sheet to restricted free agent Ramon Sessions. Yet as we covered here ..."

Nets' Hill Can Talk With Pistons

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July 16

New York Post

"The man who gave Lawrence Frank his NBA coaching start, Nets assistant Brian Hill, can talk with the Pistons about joining coach John Kuester's staff. "Brian is a very good coach, and he's done a good job for us," said Nets team president Rod Thorn, who acknowledged he granted the Pistons permission yesterday to speak with Hill about the lead assistant's job under Kuester. Hill, 61, twice was the head coach of the Magic, leading them to the Finals in 1995. He also was the head coach in Vancouver, where he hired Frank on his staff in 1997. This is his second tour as a Nets assistant under Frank. The Nets assistants all agreed to pay cuts this summer so that additional jobs would remain. ..."

Source: Pistons not actively looking at Ben Wallace

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July 15

Detroit Free Press

"With the Detroit Pistons in the market for a big man, it's natural for speculation to turn to former Piston Ben Wallace. Wallace, the face of the franchise for six seasons - including 2004, when the Pistons won the NBA title - was bought out by the Phoenix Suns on Monday. But a person with knowledge of the situation said today that the Pistons are focusing on options other than Wallace, 34. With $3.2 million left to address a gaping hole in the frontcourt - Charlie Villanueva, Jason Maxiell and Kwame Brown are the only big men on the roster - the Pistons have limited options, so Wallace isn't totally out of the picture. They appear to be more interested in Celtics restricted free agent ..."

Ben Wallace considers return to Pistons

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July 15

Detroit News

"Add another name -- a familiar name -- to the list of candidates to bolster the Pistons' thin frontcourt. Former Piston Ben Wallace accepted a $10 million buyout from the Suns on Tuesday. If he clears waivers, he will be an unrestricted free agent. Wallace indicated at the end of last season he would consider retirement because of his age (35) and lingering injuries. But, according to sources, Wallace is considering trying to play at least one more season and has reached out to the Pistons. He still owns a home in Oakland County. The Pistons have $3.5 million still available under the salary cap. In taking the buyout, Wallace left $4 million still on the table in Phoenix. (The final ..."

Former Pistons center Ben Wallace back to Detroit?

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July 14

Michigan Live

"The Detroit Pistons are in need of a big man, a relatively inexpensive one. Ben Wallace, $10 million dollars richer after being bought out by Phoenix, is looking for a new home. While there's no deal imminent, the Pistons are going to explore the possibility of bringing one of the franchise's greatest defenders, back to Detroit. Detroit has about $3.5 million to use towards free agents, but would probably not use all of that to sign Wallace. Boston's Glen Davis remains an option, but the Pistons are reluctant to make him an offer because he's a restricted free agent. And the Celtics have said repeatedly that any reasonable offer Davis receives - and Detroit's offer would fall under that ..."

Boozer tells Chicago radio he expects a trade

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July 14

The Deseret News

"Jazz power forward Carlos Boozer told a Chicago radio station today that he expects to soon be traded, and that he'll be happy if he is. According to a transcript from WMVP 1000-AM, the ESPN affiliate in Chicago, Boozer — who has not spoken to Utah media since the Jazz's season ended in late April — said this when asked if he thought he'd be dealt: "Yeah, I do. I had a talk with the Jazz. The Jazz told me they want to go in a different direction and I respect their decision. We mutually agreed to work out a trade that was beneficial for them and beneficial for my family and me. So with that being said I'm gonna be traded relatively soon or in good time." Rumors circulating today have ..."

Report: Pistons, Nuggets work on deal for Arron Afflalo

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July 11

Detroit Free Press

"The Denver Post reports the Pistons and Nuggets are working on another trade. Of course we know how the first one worked. The Post reports the Pistons are trying to ship second-year guard Arron Afflalo to Denver, which would clear approximately $1 million in salary cap space for Joe Dumars to sign a power forward or center. Afflalo averaged 4.9 points in 16.7 minutes last season. He played in 74 games, though he was behind Richard Hamilton, Allen Iverson or both on the depth chart last season."

Memphis Grizzlies considering 1-year, $5 million offer to Allen Iverson

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July 9

Memphis Commercial Appeal

"While one Grizzlies transaction is on hold, another potential deal -- once seemingly improbable -- could be nearing completion. Although neither team has reneged, an agreed-upon trade between Memphis and the Los Angeles Clippers that would put power forward Zach Randolph in a Grizzlies uniform wasn't made official Wednesday for several reasons ranging from accounting to player physicals. Meanwhile, All-Star guard Allen Iverson could be donning a Grizzlies uniform any minute. Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley wants to meet with Iverson and is seriously considering a one-year, $5 million offer, according to team insiders. Heisley's renewed interest presents a sudden turn of events, given that ..."

Why Avery Johnson didn't get the job

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July 8

Detroit Free Press

"In less than 48 hours, Avery Johnson went from likely becoming the Pistons' next coach to giving interviews explaining why he will be returning to an analyst's chair at ESPN for a second season. All signs now point to the Pistons settling on their third choice -- Cavaliers assistant John Kuester -- to replace Michael Curry, who was fired last week after one season. Which left us to wonder what happened to Johnson. In an interview on ESPN, Johnson spoke of extensive talks with the Pistons as recently as Sunday, but he declined to say how close the two sides were. "At the end of the day, we just couldn't make it work, and both sides decided to just go in different directions," Johnson said. ..."

Spurs become leader to sign Antonio McDyess

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July 8

Detroit Free Press

"Yahoo!Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reports the Spurs are in the lead to sign free agent Antonio McDyess. McDyess has spent the last five season in Detroit. He was traded to Denver as a part of the Chauncey Billups-Allen Iverson deal. He was then released by the Nuggets and returned to the Pistons in December. McDyess averaged 9.6 points and 9.8 rebounds in 68 games last season. In his first year with the Pistons, he reached the NBA Finals but lost to the Spurs in 2005."

Spurs make push for McDyess

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July 8

San Antonio Express-News

"The Spurs are apparently going hard to the hoop in their pursuit of free-agent forward Antonio McDyess. According to an NBA source with knowledge of the negotiations, the Spurs are believed to have offered McDyess a three-year contract starting at the full mid-level exception, expected to be worth $5.854 million next season. That third year, which is only partially guaranteed, could be what puts the Spurs over the top. It has been widely speculated that McDyess, 34, only plans to play two more seasons. If the Spurs' rumored bid is true, they have essentially sweetened their best two-year offer by guaranteeing McDyess extra cash in 2011-12. In a matter of hours, the Spurs appear to have ..."

Pistons reportedly agree to deal with Kuester

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July 7

Detroit News

"The Pistons apparently have their coach, and it's not Avery Johnson. Sports Illustrated.com reported Tuesday the Pistons have agreed to terms on a two-year deal with Cavaliers assistant John Kuester. Kuester became the main target of team president Joe Dumars after talks with Johnson broke down. Dumars told The News on Tuesday that Johnson, who had been considered the frontrunner, was no longer in the team's plans. "Where we are right now as a team is kind of like where we were at the start of the Rick Carlisle era," Dumars said. "And a $4 to $5 million (a year) coach is not what we need right now. We didn't have one of those until we were close to contending for a championship when we ..."

Avery Johnson out as Pistons coaching candidate

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July 7

Detroit Free Press

"Pistons president of operations Joe Dumars confirmed this afternoon that Avery Johnson is no longer in the running for the Detroit Pistons head coaching vacancy. The announcement was made after the two sides could not come to terms on a contract."

Report: Pistons close to decision on coaching vacancy

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July 7

Detroit Free Press

"Marc Stein reports today at ESPN.com that the Detroit Pistons are closing in on a resolution in their coaching search after two days of talks with ESPN analyst Avery Johnson. Stein goes on to write that sources familiar with the Pistons' thinking told ESPN.com that today would be a decisive day in their courting of Johnson, exactly one week removed from the dismissal of Michael Curry. Pistons president Joe Dumars had his first face-to-face meeting with Johnson at the latter's Houston-area home Sunday night, which was followed by ongoing discussions between the sides Monday."

Cavaliers one of several teams considering Channing Frye

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July 7

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Wednesday is the first day free agents can sign with NBA teams. The Cavaliers may not have any deals on that day, but they are getting closer as they continue to narrow their focus. After making a free-agent scouting trip to Los Angeles on Sunday, Cavs GM Danny Ferry came home and hosted free-agent power forward Channing Frye on Monday at the team's practice facility in Independence. Frye is the type of "stretch" forward the Cavs are interested in during the free-agent period as they look to find big men who can hit jumpers when teams collapse on LeBron James and center Shaquille O'Neal. At this point, the Cavs are looking at several power forwards in addition to Frye. One, of course, is ..."

Free agent Brandon Bass could be quite a catch

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July 7

Detroit Free Press

"Although it may take time to play itself out, the Pistons would like to bring back power forward Antonio McDyess, an unrestricted free agent. But with likely competition coming from more title-ready teams like Cleveland and San Antonio, the Pistons are looking at other options. And that could lead them to Mavericks power forward Brandon Bass, an unrestricted free agent. Bass' agent, Tony Dutt, said Monday the Pistons have inquired about his client, and there is mutual interest. "We see it as a great situation that we would like to explore at some time," Dutt said. "It's an organization that has the respect of players." Bass, 6-feet-8 and 250 pounds, is coming off career highs in points per ..."

Pistons' Dumars is in a tight fix with coaching job

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July 7

Detroit News

"Here's what is known for certain: Darrell Walker and Pat Sullivan will be coaching the Pistons' summer league team, which leaves for Las Vegas today. As for who will be coaching the Pistons beyond that? There is no answer to that question, and there might not be one this week. Pistons president Joe Dumars is in a tough spot. Some will argue he put himself there; others will say he was a victim of circumstances. Doesn't matter. The reality is, after firing Michael Curry, Dumars made it clear he needed an experienced hand to steer the Pistons through this current transition. Few who watched this team regularly last season would disagree. If right now the candidates are Avery Johnson, John ..."

Many possibilities for potential Boozer trade

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July 5

Salt Lake Tribune

"Should they explore a Carlos Boozer trade in the wake of the two-time All-Star forward's decision Tuesday to opt against free agency in favor of playing out the final year of his contract, the Jazz can expect to have several options. A Boozer trade is expected in some circles if the Jazz re-sign restricted free agent Paul Millsap, to avoid a lame-duck season in which Boozer would be expected to leave afterward while Millsap possibly would have to continue to come off the bench. To make it happen, though, the Jazz would have to find a team interested in adding a power forward in Boozer or a team trying to save on a long-term salary commitment and/or clear salary-cap space for the ..."

Avery Johnson still top Pistons coach candidate

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July 5

Detroit Free Press

"Another day passes, and the Pistons are still in the market for a head coach. And as of Friday, it still appears that former Dallas Mavericks coach Avery Johnson is the favorite. ESPN.com reported that Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars, after speaking to Johnson by phone, plans to meet him Sunday at Johnson's home in the Houston area. Johnson fits Dumars' stated goal of hiring an experienced coach, but snags could crop up. Johnson has a career winning percentage of nearly 75% and was once two wins from an NBA title. That type of resume could make Johnson's asking price a bit steep. Cleveland Cavaliers assistant John Kuester and Boston Celtics associate head coach Tom ..."

C's press for Rasheed Wallace

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July 3

Boston Herald

"The Celtics' hopes are now obvious. Rasheed Wallace is Plan A. The other free agents on their list are strictly Plan B. With the Big Three lending their considerable clout to the recruitment process, a large Celtics delegation visited the 7-foot free agent in Detroit yesterday afternoon and wasted no time in offering him a contract, according to two well-placed league sources close to the negotiations. According to both sources, the C's have offered Wallace a two-year contract for the $5.8 million mid-level exception. Danny Ainge, the team's executive director of basketball operations, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, coach Doc Rivers and co-owner Wyc Grousbeck were all on hand for ..."

Avery Johnson is Pistons' lead candidate

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July 3

Detroit Free Press

"Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars needs to get moving if he wants to have a coach in place by the time the team leaves for play in the Las Vegas summer league next week. Former Pistons coach Doug Collins withdrew his name from consideration, which would appear to open the door for former Dallas Mavericks coach Avery Johnson. Collins told ESPN.com late Wednesday night that he thanked Dumars for the consideration, but he would remain an analyst for TNT. Johnson appears to be the front-runner to replace Michael Curry, who was suddenly fired Tuesday on the eve of the NBA's free-agency period. Dumars has said he wants an experienced coach to lead the Pistons as he tries to ..."

Celtics to court Rasheed Wallace

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July 2

Boston Herald

"Danny Ainge kicked off free agency yesterday by targeting a player who reportedly is going to be very receptive to Celtics overtures - former Pistons center Rasheed Wallace. "We hope to meet with him soon," Ainge, the Celtics general manager, said last night, debunking an Internet report that team management already had met with Wallace on Tuesday night. Wallace, who also is expected to receive pitches from San Antonio and Cleveland, can expect a heavy recruiting effort from several members of the C's organization."

Not just Wallace

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July 2

San Antonio Express-News

"It is widely believed Rasheed Wallace is at the top of the Spurs free-agent target list. Yet they are hardly putting all their eggs in the Wallace basket. In addition to Wallace, the Spurs have contacted at least two other big men during the early throes of free agency. According to an NBA source, the Spurs have also been in touch with Antonio McDyess, Wallace's soon-to-be-former Detroit teammate, and Dallas forward Brandon Bass. McDyess would be an intriguing fallback option should the Wallace plan not work out. The Pistons are interested in re-signing McDyess, who returned to Detroit after being included in the Chauncey Billups-Allen Iverson deal last fall, but it is believed he could be ..."

Sources: Pistons, Ben Gordon agree to $50M deal

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July 1

Detroit News

"The Pistons have reached an agreement with free-agent guard Ben Gordon. The Pistons offered Gordon a five-year deal worth more than $50 million. According to sources on both sides, Gordon accepted the parameters of the deal. No deal can be signed until July 8. Gordon and Charlie Villanueva showed up at the practice facility Wednesday to meet with president Joe Dumars. Negotiations with Villanueva were ongoing. Gordon and Villanueva, teammates on the 2003-04 Connecticut team, have been the top free-agent targets for the Pistons for a couple weeks. Gordon, 26, averaged 20.7 points for the Bulls last season, and was brilliant in the seven-game playoff series against the Celtics, averaging 24 ..."

Pistons agree to deal with Bulls' Gordon

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July 1

Detroit Free Press

"The Pistons have a new shooting guard: Ben Gordon. Gordon, a free-agent from the Chicago Bulls, agreed in principle Wednesday to join the Pistons, the Free Press has learned. Teams cannot officially announce deals until July 8, but the deal is believed to be worth $55 million over five years."

Gordon, Villanueva visit Pistons; Gordon could get a deal today

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July 1

Detroit Free Press

"Free agents Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva flew into Detroit today for a meeting with Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars and could be approaching deals to bring their talents to Motown. Both are unrestricted free agents and their acquisitions would be significant as Dumars could then concentrate on upgrading the talent along the frontcourt. The Pistons are the clear favorite to sign Gordon and a deal could be reached as early as this afternoon as the Bulls have salary-cap issues that may make their interest in retaining Gordon moot. It's expected he will command a salary in the range of $9 to $10 million per year. Gordon, 26, a five-year veteran with the Chicago ..."

Late moves may factor hugely in free agency for Pistons

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July 1

Detroit Free Press

"The final two days before the NBA's free-agency period begins brought two developments that could impact how the Pistons proceed when they can start signing free agents next Wednesday. Utah's restricted free-agent power forward Paul Millsap could be in play as the Jazz will have to pay power forward Carlos Boozer and center Mehmet Okur, who both decided Tuesday against opting out of their contracts and will remain with the Jazz. That doesn't stop trade possibilities. The Jazz has said it wants to retain Millsap, but that could prove tricky. Teams may shy away in these dire economic times from Boozer's $12.6-millon salary for next season. Millsap, who stands 6-feet-8, is coming off a ..."

Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva visit Pistons today

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July 1

Detroit News

"Chicago Bulls guard Ben Gordon and Milwaukee Bucks forward Charlie Villanueva will be at the Pistons' practice facility Wednesday, meeting with president Joe Dumars and maybe take a tour of the area and do a little home shopping. That's how serious the courtship is between the two free agents and the Pistons. There is a chance a verbal commitment could be reached soon."

Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons courting Ben Gordon

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July 1

Chicago Tribune

"A busy Tuesday for Joe Dumars began with the Pistons' president of basketball operations firing coach Michael Curry and ended with him making overtures for guard Ben Gordon as NBA free agency began at 11:01 p.m. Chicago time. The Bulls planned to contact Raymond Brothers, Gordon's agent, who has turned down offers of $50 million over five years and $54 million over six years the previous two summers. Gordon, the Bulls' leading scorer for the last four seasons, never has backed off his publicly stated desire to remain in Chicago. He reiterated that desire to close associates on Tuesday. Similarly, general manager Gar Forman consistently has said the Bulls want to re-sign Gordon. However, ..."

Is Bill Laimbeer a candidate to replace Michael Curry?

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June 30

Detroit News

"Is Bill Laimbeer a candidate to replace Michael Curry as Pistons coach? Laimbeer, the former Pistons player who rose to prominence in the organization during the Bad Boys era, resigned as coach of the WNBA's Detroit Shock on June 16. Laimbeer has for years expressed a desire to be an NBA coach. When he was contacted by The Detroit News on Tuesday and asked about Curry's firing, Laimbeer said, "It's the first I've heard of it. Really, they fired him?" Laimbeer was asked if he had been contacted by the Pistons about the head coaching position. "I've been out pursuing different things," he said. As for his reaction to Curry's firing, Laimbeer said, "I don't have any feelings about it." ..."

Pistons fire coach Michael Curry after one season

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June 30

Detroit News

"The prevailing thought was that Michael Curry was going to get a second season to redeem himself after a rough, 39-43 rookie season. Pistons president Joe Dumars blew that thought right out of the water, firing Curry on Tuesday. "As I look at our situation and the transition that we are going through, it is clear to me that we need a more experienced hand at the wheel to help guide us through this," Dumars said. "Maybe I put too much on Mike as a first-year head coach." The Pistons will pay Curry $5 million for the two remaining years on his contract. As for the next coach, Dumars could choose from a very short list: Doug Collins, former Bulls, Pistons and Wizards coach; Avery Johnson, ..."

Pistons' free-agent targets: Gordon, Villanueva

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June 30

Detroit News

"The Pistons would love to sign Carlos Boozer should he decide today to opt out of the final year of his contract with the Jazz and become a free agent. Why wouldn't they? He's 26 and one of the elite power forwards in the game, capable of averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds. However, if Boozer opts out, he would leave $12.6 million on the table in Utah. Thus, there is a good chance Boozer, as has been widely speculated, would look to start his next contract at $14 million or $15 million. If that is the case, the Pistons most likely would walk away. The Pistons expect to have between $17 million and $19 million of available cap space (the exact number will be determined within the next ..."

Pistons Trade Rumors