Slumping Economy Could Benefit Pistons

As the world economy continues to flounder, possibilities keep opening up for the Pistons. I am working on a multi-part series on the Pistons options going forward, but in the meantime I want to bring up one possibility. Many teams are hell-bent on cutting payroll and saving money. The Pistons, on the other hand, will have major financial flexibility beginning this summer. If Joe Dumars determines that the players he wants will not be available until 2010, he could own the summer by sending out financial lifelines in exchange for assets.

If a team is trying to cut its 2010 payroll, that team could offer the Pistons an asset along with an expiring contract to take off their hands. For example, the New Orleans Hornets are trying to cut costs. Antonio Daniels is set to earn 6.6 million dollars in the final year of his contract next season. Would New Orleans offer the Pistons Julian Wright if Detroit is willing to take Daniels off the Hornets’ cap for next season? The Hornets could save roughly 12 to 15 million with such a deal between shedding salary, avoiding the luxury tax, and receiving their share of the tax that other teams pay. The Pistons would simply have to pay Daniels contract for a season and would be handed a talented young forward for their troubles.

Would Washington consider a similar deal with JaVale McGee along with either Brendan Haywood or Mike James? Would New Jersey offer a draft pick if the Pistons take Stromile Swift off their payroll? There are tons of possibilities out there that would allow the Pistons to acquire an asset without seriously harming their cap space for the summer of 2010. Dumars could try to add premier free agents like Carlos Boozer or David Lee this summer, but he should also consider collecting smaller assets this summer and making a major move in 2010.