CLOSE Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy speaks to the media after practice on Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, in Auburn Hills. Video by Vince Ellis/DFP
The Pistons' Bill Laimbeer hugs Isiah Thomas. (Photo: Pauline Lubens)
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
Detroit Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace leaves the court with his daughter after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers, 100-87, in the NBA Finals on June 15, 2004 at the Palace of Auburn Hills. (Photo: David Gilkey, DFP)
The date: Feb. 9. 2004.
The move: The Pistons acquired big man Rasheed Wallace from the Atlanta Hawks and guard Mike James from the Boston Celtics as part of a three-way deal that sent guards Chucky Atkins and Lindsey Hunter to Boston and guard Bobby Sura, center Zeljko Rebraca and Celtics forward Chris Mills to 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.
Bill Lambeer celebrates with forward Mark Aguirre after the Pistons won their first title in 1989. (Photo: AP)
The date: Feb. 15, 1989.
The move: The Pistons acquired small forward Mark Aguirre from the Dallas Mavericks for small forward Adrian Dantley and a 1991 first-round pick.
The impact: The Pistons moved a disgruntled Dantley and helped team chemistry with the addition of Aguirre – the last major move before the two titles from the Bad Boys.
Blake to Motown
Blake Griffin shakes hands with owner Tom Gores after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies, 104-102, in Griffin's debut with the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018. At right is forward Anthony Tolliver. (Photo: Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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
Detroit Pistons guard Allen Iverson, left, hugs Denver Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups before a game in Denver on Jan. 9, 2009. (Photo: David Zalubowski, Associated Press)
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 cocktail 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!