Empty the Bench

Rumor: The Golden State Warriors have had trade discussions with the Detroit Pistons about a deal that could include Baron Davis, Al Harrington, Chauncey Billups, and Rasheed Wallace.

Source: Contra Costa Times

Analysis:

Just a few days after seeing his name bandied about in trade rumors involving the Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons All-Star PG Chauncey Billups has again found himself the subject of speculation.

This time it’s with the Golden State Warriors and a swap with Baron Davis, whose relationship with head coach Don Nelson seems to have soured. Tack on the hefty $17 million he’ll make in the final year of his contract next season—and the fact that GM Chris Mullin is getting ready to pony up big bucks to keep restricted free agents Andris Biedrins and Monta Ellis this summer—and it’s not surprising to see Davis mentioned in NBA trade rumors.

According to the report in the Contra Costa Times, the Pistons initiated the conversation and talked about a deal that would also include a swap of versatile big men Al Harrington and Rasheed Wallace. Though Chris McCoskey of the Detroit News claims this rumor is a complete fabrication, it doesn’t seem completely unfathomable to me.

Baron Davis Photo Credit: Icon SMI

Wallace would give the Warriors the strong overall defensive presence in the post they’ve lacked for what feels like forever (Biedrins is a great shot-blocker but can be pushed around and beaten with ease by bigger centers/forwards), and ‘Sheed’s penchant for drifting out to the three-point line is exactly in line with the Warriors’ current offensive philosophy of chucking at will from anywhere and everywhere past the half-court line.

Though a few years older, Billups shares many of the same qualities with Davis—big, excellent long-range shooter, takes and makes big shots—but is less of a health risk and is locked up for years to come. Davis will almost certainly test the free-agent waters next summer and at the moment looks like he’d prefer to leave. Billups’ contract is actually relatively reasonable at about $50 million over the next 4 years (team option the last year)… reasonable assuming that he stays healthy and keeps his conditioning up.

The Pistons would get significantly younger and more athletic in welcoming Davis and Harrington, though Davis would almost certainly need to agree to opt out of his current deal and renegotiate a new one with the Pistons. That is, of course, unless Dumars is ready and willing to rent him for one season, then see his contract come off the books. The versatile, 6-9 Harrington is an interesting player: very talented, can play any frontcourt position, a bit weak on defense, and has bounced around some since the Pacers traded him to Atlanta following the 2004 season. Davis is one of my favorite players in today’s NBA, and though there are injury concerns he’s a dynamic, charismatic dude who’d fit in well with the Pistons. I’d personally love to see him land in Detroit.

That said, I think there’s a very slim chance of this happening. With Rodney Stuckey waiting in the wings at point guard, trading for Davis or another PG like him doesn’t fit with Dumars’ outlook of the team and where he wants to improve it… again, unless he is looking for a one-year renter.

One thing is for certain: Chauncey Billups will continue to be the subject of trade rumors all summer long until something happens one way or the other.

Related: Chauncey Billups, Baron Davis, Rasheed Wallace, Al Harrington, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors