The Pistons-Cavs-Wolves Deal: Over the weekend ESPN's Chris Broussard reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Detroit Pistons were having discussions on a deal that would have had the Timberwolves trading the #2 overall draft selection in the 2011 NBA Draft to the Cavaliers in a complex deal that would have had Cleveland absorbing Richard Hamilton and his some $24 million in salary from the Pistons.
As reported, the deal would have had Cleveland sending its #4 pick along with the Pistons' #8 pick to Minnesota, in exchange for the 2nd overall pick. Cleveland would absorb Richard Hamilton using the $14.5 million Traded Player Exception it holds from the LeBron James sign and trade deal with Miami. The Pistons would receive cap relief and a $12.5 million Traded Player Exception for Hamilton and the #8.
The trade died a pretty quick death as sources close to the situation explained that Detroit, while interested, was not willing to just give Richard Hamilton away, and that surrendering the #8 overall pick, even in a very flat draft in terms of talent, was not something the Pistons were open to unless it involved getting other players or draft assets in return.
The Timberwolves also hold the 20th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and the Cavaliers hold the 32rd pick, and Piston sources said both of those assets would have to be included for a deal to even be talked about seriously and apparently neither the Cavs or Wolves were willing to budge on those assets at this point.
Piston sources said that until the ownership change is officiated, things are still a little murky, but that incoming Pistons' owner Tom Gores has made no demands on cost cuts and with the Pistons sitting on $47 million in salary commitments there is no urgency to dump a salary.
The same Piston sources explained that Joe Dumars still has a great deal of affection for Richard Hamilton and that "dumping" him was not viewed as a necessary option in Joe's mind, it would have to return something that helps the Pistons improve and a $12.5 million TPE was not enough value for Rip Hamilton and the #8 pick.
Sources say the Pistons like Cavaliers forward Christian Eyenga and Cavs guard Daniel Gibson. Sources also said if the Cavs and Wolves found a way to remove an additional salary such as the $7 million owed to Charlie Villanueva that might increase the appeal of the transaction. As the deal sits today the Pistons do not see the value for their side and until that changes there is no deal to talk about.
The Pistons continue to tell inquiring player agents that they do not have a deal involving the 8th pick on the table and will continue to hold draft workouts for players in that draft range.
However according to sources close to all three teams, the deal is not under active discussion, but all three teams are keeping the lines of communication open.
The belief from the Pistons side is if Minnesota and Cleveland come off the 20th and 32nd picks, a deal could happen, it just not seem like either team is there just yet.
There are 24 days until the 2011 NBA Draft in New Jersey, so it's more likely that Detroit continues to look at players projected in the #8 range to see if there is really anything there before making a final decision.
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