With new general managers taking over for a handful of NBA franchises this offseason, there's a chance that organizational philosophies or approaches could shift drastically in some instances. The Pistons are hoping that's the case with the Raptors, offering up a package of expiring contracts to Toronto in exchange for Rudy Gay, who was acquired by old head of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo.
However, Grantland's Zach Lowe tweets that he'd be "blown away" if the Raptors accepted Detroit's offer without a significant sweetener. And as Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun notes (via Twitter), just because an offer is on the table, it doesn't mean the Raptors have to take it, as several teams have made "unimpressive" proposals for Gay.
Here's more on the Pistons and their Central Division rivals:
- Vincent Goodwill of the Detroit News tweeted yesterday that the Pistons would be at the front of the line if the Celtics make Rajon Rondo available. While Boston GM Danny Ainge continues to insist he's not interested in moving Rondo, despite plenty of incoming calls, Ken Berger of CBSSports.com also reports that the Pistons have made their interest clear in case Ainge changes his mind.
- Within Berger's piece, the CBSSports.com scribe says the Pacers have explored potential trades involving Danny Granger and/or Gerald Green. However, they're finding "no market" for either player so far.
- The Pistons remain interested in Josh Smith and Andre Iguodala, but are reluctant to engage in a bidding war, tweets Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today.
- The Bucks may be emerging as the leading suitor for J.R. Smith, writes Marc Berman of the New York Post, pointing out that deals for J.J. Redick and Kevin Martin could set Smith's market value at $7MM+ per year. That would be more than the Knicks are able to offer.
- Prior to reaching an agreement with Mike Dunleavy, the Bulls viewed him as their top priority in free agency, tweets Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal Times.