Ben Wallace to leave Detroit

**Dark** · 07-04-2006, 03:13 AM

"Ben Wallace has been the face of the Detroit Pistons the last five years. No more," writes Chad Ford of ESPN INSIDER. "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 dollar 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.

Look for the Bulls to now explore trade scenarios involving Tyson Chandler.

One potential opportunity, according to sources, is New Orleans, which is mulling a Chandler-for-P. J. Brown swap. Brown is in the last year of his contract, which would give the Bulls even more cap relief next season.

The Bulls also have explored Chandler trade scenarios with the Hawks (via an Al Harrington sign-and-trade) and the Warriors.

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.

There are a few starting center-caliber free agents out there, such as Joel Przybilla and Nazr Mohammed, but none who can give the Pistons what Wallace did.

Instead, 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."

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2508742

Now...I told you fools who doubted me to quote me on it...Ben would leave Detroit. I just had to prove my worth

Although now I'm unhappy because he actually did leave...no one will be able to replace a powerhouse like that.

Anyways..just wanted to give a big TOLD YOU SO to the unbelievers

Quote:

Originally Posted by stoner4life

You really must be kinda nieve to really think that Ben is going anywhere next season. Re-signing him is Joe Dumars #1 priority and Ben Wallace does want to be back.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark_KB

And yes, I do believe that Dumars is going to make an exceeding effort to try and sign Ben again, but you don't think other teams will also? Take Chicago, for example. They have had their eye on Ben, and would be a great add to their team. If not sign him, they will at least raise his price up a great deal to give the Pistons a harder time at getting him back for paying more. Ben doesn't like the coaching, and the team is getting away from the defensive minded team he helped build. You may argue it, but like I said, Ben will not sign again with the Pistons, and you can quote me on it.

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