NBA Draft Rumors: Five Trade Whispers Connected To the Detroit Pistons

As NBA draft preparation enters the final stretch, rumors are swirling about a variety of teams. And usually the rumors are loudest about teams who struggled the year before.

The Detroit Pistons enter the 2010 draft as no exception to that rule.

The team has the No. 7 pick in the draft and some veterans that no longer fit the current makeup of the team.

Joe Dumars is often quiet when it comes to making moves, but don't be surprised if one of these five trade rumors come true.

Philadelphia 76ers

One down, one to go.

The 76ers were able to unload themselves of Samuel Dalembert last week and wouldn't mind doing the same with Elton Brand.

The Detroit Pistons have been one of the teams rumored as possible suitors for Brand and his hefty contract.

Many feel that the 76ers are setting up to select Derrick Favors with the No. 2 pick, but don't be so sure. If the team has confidence in Marreese Speights, Thaddeus Young, and newly acquired Spencer Hawes it could all be a farce.

Detroit is said to covet a player like Favors and what better way to force their hand than act like they will select him.

The rumor has been Rip Hamilton, the No. 7 pick, and Chris Wilcox or Jason Maxiell (to even out the numbers) for Elton Brand and the No. 2 pick.

In this scenario, coach Doug Collins is reunited with shooting guard Rip Hamilton and the team has rid themselves of Brand's contract.

This would allow Detroit to unclutter their backcourt and get a true post player in Brand. While it's a large price tag to accept on their team, Brand would actually fit well with the Pistons style of play.

The 76ers would still be able to get another complimentary big man or continue trading back to accumulate picks for the future at the No. 7 spot.

Detroit could select Favors or Cousins to fully revamp their front court for next season. They could also pick Evan Turner and continue to make moves.

In that scenario, Tayshaun Prince may be the next to go and one possible suitor for him is...

Sacramento Kings

The same team that traded with Philadelphia, the Sacramento Kings.

In acquiring Samuel Dalembert, the Kings rid themselves of forward Andres Nocioni. This opens up a roster spot that would fit Tayshaun Prince in nicely.

With Tyreke Evans at point, Prince would be a solid compliment both offensively and defensively for the Kings.

The original rumor has Detroit receiving Andres Nocioni and No. 5 for Prince and No. 7. That clearly will no longer happen.

The Pistons said they will only rid themselves of Prince if they feel they are getting great value.

Even without Nocioni, the Kings have some tradable pieces. It wouldn't be the smartest trade, but if they feel Prince would be an ideal fit, they do have some options.

If the Kings aren't convinced Carl Landry will stick around beyond this year and they could get Prince to sign an extension, it's an option.

They would have to add in a player like Francisco Garcia to even out the deal, but it would help free up some extra space.

In the end, don't look for these teams to mix and match, unless Detroit feels there is a player at No. 5 they couldn't pass up on and become desperate.

Toronto Raptors

This Toronto Raptors team could very well be in shambles this offseason. With Chris Bosh most likely exiting and Hedo Turkoglu wanting out, they find themselves in a precarious position.

The Detroit Pistons have been rumored to be a possible suitor for certain players on the Raptors.

One rumor is a straight up Hedo Turkoglu for Tayshaun Prince deal. This one matches perfectly when it comes to the contracts, but may not be as easy as that.

Prince has more value as a player than Turkoglu and an expiring contract is usually better than four years remaining.

One possible deal that may surprise people for these two teams would be Rip Hamilton for Jose Calderon and a throw-in (Reggie Evans).

This would be a true indicator of how convinced Joe Dumars is that Rodney Stuckey is truly a point guard. Many are not, including myself.

Calderon would be a solid swap and give Detroit a true point guard. It would allow them to unload Rip Hamilton's contract as well.

Toronto would get some value in Rip, who would work well together with Jarrett Jack. With Chris Bosh most likely to do a sign and trade, the Raptors have options as to how to refill in the roster.

As for Turkoglu, his contract isn't awful, but he wouldn't fit in Detroit as Charlie Villanueva plays a similar role to himself.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Holding the No. 4, 16 and 23 picks in the NBA draft's first round, the Minnesota Timberwolves have some options.

One of the rumors that have circled both Detroit and Minnesota is a trade for one of the Pistons players for a couple of the Minnesota draft picks.

If Detroit feels the No. 4 pick will allow them to select the big man they covet, either DeMarcus Cousins or Derrick Favors, they'll try to make a move.

Tayshaun Prince or Rip Hamilton would both make sense in a deal for Minnesota.

Prince could fill a small void at the small forward position. Ryan Gomes and Corey Brewer are decent, but neither compare with Prince.

As for Rip, the team could also use a true shooting guard. With Johnny Flynn manning the point, Rip could help him become a more organized guard. Kevin Love is a solid passing big man and the half-court offense would really improve with Rip off screens.

A No. 4 and No. 23 for Rip Hamilton trade should be on the radar for both teams. It would help the Pistons continue rebuilding and give the Wolves a player that could contribute for years.

Rip may be older, but his style of play will help him last in the NBA for a long time.

One other possibility is Al Jefferson. If the Pistons feel he could be a contributing big man, they could offer up Tayshaun's expiring contract in addition to a possible swap of draft picks. The Pistons would be willing to move back if they picked up Jefferson, so a No. 7 for 16 or 23 could hold possibilities if Jefferson were involved.

A deal like this may not be as far fetched as some rumors seem. It will all depend on who Philadelphia takes as to how aggressive the Pistons may be.

Golden State Warriors

Numerous teams have been said to be vying for Anthony Randolph.

The Pistons may be among those feeling out what Golden State may do with the power forward.

At the No. 7 spot, Detroit's options may not match what Randolph could give them in return. He has great length and solid defensive timing.

In order for a deal to work, the Pistons would need to get creative. They would have to trade the No. 7 pick and add in someone like Jason Maxiell.

If both teams really worked together, they could put together a nice package that would fit both rosters. Maxiell is a solid player, but is undersized and doesn't offer the same potential that Randolph would.

Randolph could instantly start on the Pistons roster and give an extra bit of athleticism and help side defense that has been missing for a few years on the inside.

Look for the Pistons to watch very closely as to where Favors/Cousins and make a move to get a big man they really want.