Free Press sports writer Vince Ellis ranks the five most impactful trades in Pistons history.
Bad Boys lay foundation
The date: Feb. 16, 1982.
The move: Acquired center Bill Laimbeer and Ken Carr from Cleveland in exchange for forward Phil Hubbard, forward Paul Mokeski and two draft picks.
The impact: Laimbeer joined forces with Isiah Thomas to form the heart and soul of the legendary Bad Boys team that won two straight NBA titles
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Landing ’Sheed
The date: Feb. 9. 2004.
The move: The Pistons acquired big man Rasheed Wallacefrom the Atlanta Hawks and guardMike Jamesfrom the Boston Celtics as part of a three-way deal that sent guards Chucky Atkins andLindsey Hunterto Boston and guardBobby Sura, centerZeljko Rebracaand Celtics forwardChris Millsto Atlanta. The Celtics received Detroit’s first-round pick in the 2004 draft and cash. Atlanta received the rights to Milwaukee’s 2004 first-round draft choice.
The impact: The move helped propel the Pistons to the 2004 NBA title and was the final move to cement a great era of Pistons basketball that included six trips to the Eastern Conference finals.
Moving on from A.D.
The date: Feb. 15, 1989.
The move: The Pistons acquired small forward Mark Aguirre from theDallas Mavericksfor small forward Adrian Dantley and a 1991 first-round pick.
The impact: The Pistons moved a disgruntled Dantley and helped teamchemistry with the addition of Aguirre – the last major move before the two titles from the Bad Boys.
Blake to Motown
The date: Jan. 29, 2018.
The move: The Pistons land power forward Blake Griffin, Brice Johnson and center Willie Reed in exchange for Avery Bradley, Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic and a first- and second-round draft pick.
The impact: The franchise lacks buzz because it’s been close to a decade since the last playoff victory. Griffin’s arrival provides at least a momentary jolt to the franchise.
A.I. wrecks run
The date: Nov. 3, 2008.
The move: The Pistons acquired star guard Allen Iverson from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for franchise cornerstone guard Chauncey Billups, forward Antonio McDyess and center Cheikh Samb.
The impact: Pistons president Joe Dumars tossed a Molotov co*cktail into the locker room, ruining the delicate chemistry formed during the run of six straight appearances in the Eastern Conference finals. The franchise has not won a playoff game since.
Contact Vince Ellis: vellis@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @vincent_ellis56.Download our Pistons Xtra app on iTunes or Android!
