The Pistons

It was announced earlier this week that Ben Wallace is going to be traded to the Chicago Bulls. He became a free agent at the end of last season and many Pistons fans thought he was going to return to the Motor City. He was the anchor on Detroit's defense but contributed little to the offensive cause.

Time will only tell how well of a fit Big Ben will be in Chicago, but another question is how good are the Pistons going to be without Wallace. This is a team that had went to two consecutive NBA finals and last year, even though they didn't make the finals, they ended the regular season with the best record and set a franchise record for most wins. And most of the Pistons success was because of their stellar defense. When they became more offensive minded, they looked weaker. No doubt. So with Wallace gone can the Pistons remain one of the best teams in the NBA?

It looks like the other four Piston starters will be back next year but there is probably going to be a lot of changes with the bench. The bench players proved to be ineffective during the playoffs with only Antonio McDyess and Lindsey Hunter showing any real effectiveness. With Wallace gone McDyess might be the one to step up into his place and I'm sure that he's comfortable as a starter, if he can stay healthy through an 82 game season. If McDyess is going to be the new starter then the Pistons are going to be a higher tempo, less defensive kind of team. This move would also further weaken their bench. Not only that, Lindsey Hunter and Tony Delk are both free agents. If they both leave, Detroit is going to have to put up some help wanted signs.

Bobcats Sign Adam Morrison

The Charlotte Bobcats announced that they have signed their first round draft pick Adam Morrison. The Bobcats selected Morrison with the third overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft held on June 28.

“We are pleased to sign Adam and to get him on the basketball court with our team,” Bobcats General Manager Bernie Bickerstaff said. “He is a quality young man and a fine talent who we are excited to have as part of our organization. We have already seen how his skills will benefit our team and how competitive he is on the court.”

The 6-8, 205-pound forward is participating with the Bobcats entry in the Orlando Summer League from July 10-14 and then will be one of 23 selected players for the USA Basketball Men’s Senior National Team program that begins training camp on July 19 in Las Vegas.

“I am glad to sign my first contract and start my NBA career here in Charlotte. It has been a lifelong dream to play in the NBA,” Morrison said. “I look forward to doing whatever I can to help the Bobcats take the next step as we build towards a championship.”

Marquis Daniels Has No Hard Feelings

Marquis Daniels said today that he saw his time with the Mavericks coming to an end as his opportunities on the court dwindled under Avery Johnson.

It was a steady decline in responsibilities on the court after the departure of Don Nelson that ultimately led to the Mavericks trade of Daniels to Indiana for Austin Croshere.

"I got to do a lot of different things on the floor under Nellie," Daniels said. "When Avery came in, things changed. I didn't get a chance to do as much out on the floor.

Ben Wallace Traded

For the last six years, Ben Wallace has been the face of the Detroit Pistons. No more.

A league source told ESPN.com Monday night that Wallace has told the Pistons he has accepted an offer from the Chicago Bulls.

While exact details are unavailable, the offer is thought to be a four-year, $52 million deal.

A deal can't become official until July 12, when the salary cap is set for the 2006-07 season and exact contract values can be computed.

The move will come as a shock to Pistons fans who thought the chances Wallace would bolt from Detroit were slim to none.

The Pistons came out of the gate Saturday offering Wallace a whopping four-year, $48 million deal, but they told the four-time defensive player of the year that it was their final offer.

The signing clearly upgrades the Bulls' front court, albeit at an exorbitant price. The Bulls will have to use roughly $13.5 million of their projected $16.7 million in cap space to secure Wallace.

However, Wallace adds the veteran toughness and defensive presence the Bulls felt they lacked up front.

The move puts the Pistons in a difficult position.

They lose Wallace for nothing and don't have anything more than the $5.1 million mid-level exception to offer to potential replacements.

The Pistons may opt to beef up their backcourt and to move to a more up-tempo style with Rasheed Wallace at five and Antonio McDyess at the four.

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Deal or no Deal

The most crucial phase for the Cavaliers will begin Saturday, when the organization will have the opportunity to offer LeBron James a five-year contract extension that will keep him in Cleveland through 2012. He is signed for 2006-07 and will earn about $5.8 million.

If James decides not to sign, he would become a restricted free agent next summer and an unrestricted free agent in 2008.

James, during recent interviews, said he wants to remain in Cleveland and help bring the city its first major professional sports championship since 1964.

The Cavs will make James an offer Saturday, and he cannot sign until July 12. The entire city will hold its collective breath during the wait.

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