Well, it’s official. No luck trading him so we’re buying him out. More time for Murray to shoot McDonald’s commericals.

AUBURN HILLS — The Pistons, as expected, placed guard Flip Murray on waivers Friday. If he clears waivers, the Pistons will buy him out of his contract and he will be free to sign with another team.

To fill the vacant roster spot, Pistons president Joe Dumars is poking around looking to add another big man. Former Piston Dale Davis, who hasn’t played all season, is only one candidate. Dumars said he was considering other candidates, though he would not name names. Presumably, P.J. Brown, who also hasn’t played all season, is one of those candidates. (Via Detroit News)

That’s the first I’ve heard of Brown. I like P.J. Brown, but isn’t he asking like 5 mil for his services? I thought that’s what has kept him from rejoining the Hornets. Also, what about Jamaal Magloire who was recently waived by the Nets?

Here’s a YT of Juan’s tough upbringing. There’s some similarities to Isiah Thomas’ story like using basketball as an escape from the tough inner city and having his older brother looking out for him making sure he kept on the straight and narrow.

The Pistons (39-15) will host the Bucks (20-34) at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Tip off is 8:00 pm est and can be viewed locally on TV20 Detroit.

Bucks’ Snapshot
Road record: 6-23
Last game: 2/20 (Weds) W 98-103 Vs. Pistons
Last 10: 3-7

The Pistons nearly came back from 21 down two days ago against the Bucks in Milwaukee. But, let’s be serious for a second, the Pistons had no business being down 21 to the Bucks in the first place, that’s the same team we beat by 45 on New Year’s ever. You should not need a Herculean effort out of Rasheed Wallace from three point range just to get within striking distance of the Bucks. Especially since the night before the ‘Stonz got thumped by Orlando.

The Pistons have to be over their all-star hangover by now. Wake up guys! It’s still cold and grey here in the Mitten so there’s nothing to be distracted with outside.

The Bucks are tied with the Timberwolves for the most road losses (23) in the league, but they’ve also played four more road games than Minnesota.

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So, we didn’t quite make the splash Cleveland did (see below) but here’s what we did do. The Pistons sent Priomz Brezec along with cash considerations to the Raptors in exchange for Juan Dixon (6′3″, 165 lbs.). I didn’t quite get why the Pistons would pick up another guard and trade away our only true center. Then it was cleared up a little for me after reading this on Pistons.com:

The Pistons have the option of cutting one of their spare guards and adding a big man currently a free agent. The likeliest scenario? Flip Murray, who hasn’t played in two months, could be bought out of his contract at little cost – it’s due to expire at the end of this season – and Dale Davis, who played for the Pistons last year and is free to sign with any team, could be signed as veteran big man insurance.

My wish for the Pistons was to pick up a large foul eating big man. Not so much for the East, but whom ever we might meet out of the West in the Finals. While I love Double D, I wonder what he’s got left in the tank? He hasn’t played since last season and even then it looked like he really labored up and down the court.

Juan can be a nice guy coming off the bench especially in favor of Flip Murray who is just too free lancing for our team. Dixon has not come close to the collegiate success he enjoyed leading Maryland to the 2002 NCAA Championship and being named the Final Four’s MOP. This season he’s averaging 4.3 ppg, 1.8 apg in 12 minutes per, with career averages of 9 ppg and 1.7 apg. The Pistons are the 4th team for Dixon since being drafted 17th overall in 2002 by the Washington Wizards, yes, ANOTHER Wizard’s retread. Juan, like Brezec, is in the last year of his contract. If we end up re-signing Dixon, Joe D. must go after Desmond Mason, the marketing possiblities would be through the roof!

Ben went where??

The Cavs were involved in a 3-team, 11 player deal that netted them former face of the franchise Ben Wallace. They also got Wally Sczcberbiak, Delonte West and Joe Smith. They sent Larry Hughes, Drew Gooden, Cedric Simmons, and Shannon Brwon to Chicago. And, Ira Newble and Donyell Marshall to Seattle.

Dan Gilbert’s Piston’s envy knows no bounds.

LBJ wanted some turnover and he got it.

When I first heard about the deal I just heard Ben Wallace & Drew Gooden and I was happy because it was another chance to get back at Ben for bolting, and the Cavs, already hurting for someone not named James to score a bucket, just down graded. But, then there’s Delonte West..solid, Wally Longlastname…solid, Joe Smith…savvy thorn in the Pistons’ side solid. All the sudden the Cavs have nice complimentary pieces to take some scoring pressure off Elvis.

Who would have thought the Bulls could move Ben’s contract? Maybe the same people who thought the Cavs could move Hughes’ big bank.

The rivalry just got a little more raw. You think Chi figured if they couldn’t overthrow us they’d help Cleveland do it? I’m not looking forward to seeing Ben in that nasty Cavs jersey. While I’ll miss hating that big gumpy mouth breather Drew Gooden, I think Delonte West is plenty ugly enough to get under my skin.

Buckle up Pistons Nation.

….Oh, also, former Piston pit bull Mike James was traded from Houston to New Orleans.