Is Afflalo joining Billups?

by Matt Watson on Jul 11, 2009 2:44 AM EDT

The Denver Post reports that the Pistons are shopping Arron Afflalo in an effort to clear cap space, with the Nuggets one possible destination. And wouldn't you know, but the Nuggets, who lost Dahntay Jones to free agency this week, happen to be in the market for a defensively sound two-guard capable of hitting the open shot.

Chris McCosky confirmed the rumor:

Deron Washington, most likely, is going to replace Arron Afflalo on the Pistons roster next season. The Pistons are talking to Denver about a possible deal that would allow the Pistons to clear Afflalo's salary. Washington is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Pistons soon, starting at roughly $740,000.

I'll begrudgingly admit it might make sense given the current depth chart, with the caveat that a deal for a big man better in place before pulling the trigger. Afflalo is a helluva locker room guy and one of the hardest workers in the league -- you don't give guys like that up on a whim, especially when you're rebuilding.

Head-nod to MLive's Dave Dial, who spotted this 12 hours earlier, and all the DBB readers already discussing in the comments.

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Comments

I’m usually Pro-Joe and I try to stay positive, but moves like this have me shaking my head, Afflalo should’ve stayed here. Mark Warkentien must have some serious dirt on Dumars, this is twice now we’ve gotten burned.

by Skylar on Jul 11, 2009 9:30 AM EDT reply actions

It’s weird how a lot of us seem to have a problem with moving Afflalo. He just seems like one of those glue guys (like Tay) who makes everyone better just by being there, whether it shows up on the stats or not. I wish Curry would have found more minutes for him last year, but didn’t he start a few games for Rip and play well? I’m all for the youth movement, but it seems like Afflalo has paid his dues. Kind of like how Max was relegated to the bench last year when I thought he had paid his dues the year before.

by Garrett on Jul 11, 2009 10:05 AM EDT reply actions

What Garrett said.

by Shinons on Jul 11, 2009 10:45 AM EDT reply actions

I’m not a fan of these petty save a million here a million there trades.

If you really want some money dumb some one big.

Other than that you are just twiddling your thumbs in my opinion.

by John W. Davis on Jul 11, 2009 10:56 AM EDT reply actions

Apparently, Denver has a trade exemption (from the Camby trade?) so they can take on salary without giving any back.

by Quick Darshan on Jul 11, 2009 11:18 AM EDT reply actions

Has the trade already went through yet?

by Diablo on Jul 11, 2009 11:49 AM EDT reply actions

ayoooo this is the goooddd oneee i want that guy on pistons hessss mad goodd
watch him on youtube we need a guy like him

by buukiboy on Jul 11, 2009 12:37 PM EDT reply actions

do any of you even watch pistons games? afflalo shoots like he’s an all-star but misses like a bench-warmer. Also, his defense is way over-rated. Now that we have Gordon we have too many shooting guards anyway. making cap room for a center would be a great move.

by keith on Jul 11, 2009 5:38 PM EDT reply actions

How about watching some games where Afflalo is playing and then watch some games where Deron Washington is playing, and you’ll see the reason for this move. If Afflalo was all that good, Joe wouldn’t have needed to give Gordon the big contract. Deron has worked his way into the lineup by playing well, and he still has room to grow. Afflalo may be a steady influence, but his ceiling is not as high as Deron’s. Time to move on and give someone else a chance.

by scwebsmith on Jul 11, 2009 5:55 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks, Keith. I needed a good laugh … it’s been a strange day, and your ridiculous comment just cheered me up!

by brgulker on Jul 11, 2009 6:04 PM EDT reply actions

Good, Afflalo is trash anyway, and inconsistant. I’ve watch every game last season. As soon as he is given the ball, he’s throwing up a prayer from beyond the arc. I wouldnt mind seeing Stuckey gone. I dont see whats the big hype about him either.

by alex3132003 on Jul 11, 2009 7:12 PM EDT reply actions

What’s with all the Snowflake haters?

by Diablo on Jul 11, 2009 9:24 PM EDT reply actions

Knock ’em out the box, Rick.

by Skylar on Jul 11, 2009 10:24 PM EDT reply actions

Next to the lack of Maxiell getting minutes I thought Affalo not getting enough PT last season was a crime.
Surely we’re gonna need at least one other gaurd who isnt somehwhat undersized on the team? The guy played great in 0

by prophecy_projectz on Jul 12, 2009 8:51 AM EDT reply actions

Let him go. No big deal. We won’t even notice that he’s gone.

by Pardeep Toor on Jul 12, 2009 9:42 AM EDT reply actions

i liked affalo. he is still developing. he has a multi faceted game. he didn’t get playing time against cleveland because curry was on a mission to devalue the market value of the starters and bench all at once. at least curry is gone thank god.
so why did joe d. get gordon anyhow? will small ball live on past mike curry?

by andyfrombrooklyn on Jul 12, 2009 3:12 PM EDT reply actions