Theo Ratliff rumor

[deeney0]

A poster on the Wolves board says he has inside info that the Wolves are going to buy out Ratliff today and he will sign with the Pistons. Sounds reasonable, but it's completely uncorroborated. Take it for what it's worth.

http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=767545

[B Calrissian]

I already posted the link in the dale davis thread. I will be glad if he goes to you guys(pistons). The east is yours if you get him or not. But I think he would be helpful.

[Rodya]

It's strange hearing it's going to happy so quickly without a single "insider" leaking this story a couple days earlier. Yet I do see some incentive in buying him out, the 1.2 million being given back. Nonetheless If this were true it may explain why Joe has taken so long with the signing of DD. I hope this is true, he would be a perfect compliment to Sheed.

[Scrub Sura]

I'm not sure if he has anything left. But if he is healthy, I would approve this

I was always bummed when we traded him away

But it is good to know that Joe does seem to be exploring all his options.

[ajaX82]

eh, if he has anything left in the tank, i would be ok with this.

Its 6 fouls at worst and a 5th big who rebounds, blocks shots at best.

[princeofpalace]

Not quite sure if Theo is an upgrade over Dale. But either way he likely wont see a whole lot/if any PT unless Detroit is going up against a team with a legit C like Orlando or Cleveland.

[Rodya]

Come playoff time I think he could be a valuable asset. Considering Mutombo has had a significant impact on the Rockets in the his 40s, I have faith Theo can to do same at 34 with the help of Kander.

[Snakebites]

I wouldnt mind seeing Theo come full circle.

Honestly, my expectations of Dale are pretty low, so Id be willing to role the dice.

[nasty daddy]

I'm not sure if he has anything left. But if he is healthy, I would approve this

I was always bummed when we traded him away

But it is good to know that Joe does seem to be exploring all his options.

Don't you mean, has he ever been healthy.

[nasty daddy]

I would not be suprised if Theo did end up coming here, there have been a few rumors flying around about saying Ratliff to the Pistons.

[Snakebites]

Seems like its probably bull anyway. Anyone can say theyve got inside info.

Seems like they would have come up with a bigger lie though. This wouldnt exactly create waves.

[nasty daddy]

http://info.detnews.com/redesign/blogs/ ... logid=1205

Well, looks like Joe Dumars has done it again. He waited patiently to see if another big man might become available, and one did. A familiar one.

The Minnesota Timberwolves Thursday night placed veteran center Theo Ratliff on waivers and have agreed to buy him out of what remained on his $11.6 million contract. If he clears waivers in the next 48 hours - which is almost a given with his salary - he will sign with the Pistons for the prorated amount of the veteran's minimum ($1.3 million).

Ratliff, 34, was drafted by the Pistons in 1995. He has only played 12 games the last two years, but he is healthy now. He played in the last 10 games with the Timberwolves, averaging 6.3 points and 3.9 rebounds. Ratliff will provide a solid, veteran presence as the fifth big man. Again, he's not likely to take up Jason Maxiell or Amir Johnson's minutes, but if either Rasheed Wallace or Antonio McDyess were to get injured, Ratliff would be a very capable short-term fill-in.

[Rodya]

^^^Fantastic move on Dumars' part. A lot of you are going to be surprised just how much he's got left.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar ... 80505/1127

The Pistons are about to land the veteran big man they've coveted -- and his name isn't Dale Davis. The Minnesota Timberwolves placed veteran center Theo Ratliff on waivers Thursday night and have agreed to buy out the remainder of his $11.6 million contract.

If Ratliff clears waivers in the next 48 hours -- which is almost a given with his salary -- he will sign with the Pistons for the prorated amount of the veteran's minimum ($1.3 million).

Ratliff, 34, was drafted by the Pistons in 1995. He has only played 12 games the last two years, but he is healthy now. He played in the last 10 games with the Timberwolves, averaging 6.3 points and 3.9 rebounds.

[Hunter]

You rarely hear about the deals Joe actually pulls off very far in advance. That's kinda his style. Not saying credence should blindly be given to what some guy on the Minny board posted, just saying that it not being leaked to the media isn't reason enough for me to dismiss it either.

[Rodya]

^^^Thats very much true in relation to trades. But signing bought out players usually doesn't follow the same pattern since speculation goes own for the entire negotiation period.

[The Captain93]

So does this mean Dixon or Fabio go to the IR?

[THE X-FACTOR]

So does this mean Dixon or Fabio go to the IR?

maybe neither for a couple weeks, he has to get into shape first

[Big Steak]

I'm legitimately excited about this. Theo is a legitimate shot-blocking presence when healthy. Chubby Wells probably isn't too thrilled about this but he'll get over it.

[m23uza1hem36]

So does this mean Dixon or Fabio go to the IR?

Most likely not Dixon he left Toronto to get playing time, He'll most likely see some time here as we finish off the season.