http://bleacherreport.com/articles/3683 ... me-optionsThe Absolutely Positively Biggest Long-shot Deal Imaginable
The Pistons make a serious run at arguably the best point guard on the planet, Chris Paul. Okay, hear me out here. I know, I know, why would New Orleans deal their talented point guard.Actually, this makes more sense than you may realize. New Orleans is in a serious bind. They have been guilty of some deals that would make Dumars blush. They are seriously over the salary cap, and they will remain in that situation next year as well. They play in an economically ravaged area that is light on corporate powerhouses and heavy on empty seats. They are on the hook for an average of $16 million over the next three years to Paul and besides Peja Stojakovic's expiring contract next year, they are fairly inflexible financially. Additionally, Paul has been upset for the past year over management dealing his close friend Chandler and firing head coach Byron Scott. Furthermore, ownership is rumored to be in trouble financially and looking to unload salaries. These issues alone would make Paul a logical choice to be moved. However, there is an even bigger issue involved: the emergence of backup point guard Darren Collison.
A couple months ago, Paul injured his knee in a game against Chicago. What was assumed to be a devastation that would end the Hornets' season turned into a blessing in disguise as Collison stepped into Paul's shoes without skipping a beat. Collison averaged 19 points and over nine assists per game, essentially equaling Paul in every way. Opponents whispered that Collison was nearly indistinguishable from Paul. Obviously stats only tell so much of the story, and Paul has plenty of value to New Orleans.However, is he worth $15 million more per year than his potential replacement? That is how much more Paul is slated to earn than Collison in the last year of his contract in 2012-13.So assuming New Orleans would be listening, what would it take for Detroit to land the guard?Obviously, salaries are going to have to match up so Detroit would have to put together a few players. Assuming New Orleans would want young, inexpensive players and salary relief, Detroit's options are limited. Would New Orleans bite at a Prince, Stuckey, Wilcox, and draft picks deal for Paul?
Why wouldn't they? They would gain financial flexibility with two expiring contracts, they would have a talented shooting guard to pair with Collison, and they would have draft picks which would help keep them competing for years to come. Add to that their talented front court of Emeka Okafor and David West, and you are looking at a team that could contend for the next handful of years. So would Detroit pull the trigger on that deal, even if it meant dealing their lottery pick this year? I think Dumars would have to make this deal, giving the Pistons their most explosive point guard since Isiah Thomas, a player that Paul is often compared to. And despite his large salary, Dumars has enough young talent to make Detroit an instant contender.So will it happen? Probably not. But that is why this time of year is so intriguing to armchair general managers. Just ask the Lions fans.
