A rare opportunity for the Pistons to put something very simple together...The Hornets are shopping Marcus Banks expiring contract worth $4.75M.  (per Alex Kennedy via HoopsHype).  Apparently he never reported to the team after being traded and speculation says there is "slim to none" of a shot at being able to move him...

While we'd all love to see a few more babies eaten, Maxiell is another one of those contracts that JoD simply should not have offered.  Aside from the last 25 games of last season, one could hardly define Maxiell as having "earned his keep".  Does having yet another shooting guard on this squad when we haven't moved Rip really make a difference?  I'd say no.  And actually, with Rip perma-benched, we might actually need an extra guard to throw out there should injury strike.

Regardless, this is a cost-cutting move that would help and the 2nd rounder would be the price New Orleans pays for taking Banks off their hands when it appears no one wants him. (who knows maybe we can draft a guy whose height fits the position he's slotted in). 

Meanwhile, Maxiell would have to have a shot at breaking the lineup at the PF position behind David West (Jason Smith is currently the backup PF and C in their depth chart) and you know his high-flying ways would be well used when on the floor with Chris Paul.

In short, it doesn't move Rip, but at least it gets us a bit of financial flexibility.  Thoughts?