We are only a week into the 2008-09 NBA season and already there has been a blockbuster deal. The Denver Nuggets have agreed to trade all-star G Allen Iverson to Detroit for G Chauncey Billups, F Antonio McDyess, and C Cheikh Samb. A.I. will be a free agent at the end of the season, so his stay with the Pistons could be a quick one. A.I. never really wanted to be in Denver in the first place, his first choice was to remain in Philadelphia. But his desire for a national championship lead him to the Nuggets. That never really worked out for him, now
A.I. has an opportunity to win in Detroit.Detroit had wanted to shakeup their aging squad all offseason and finally did today dealing away their PG in Billups and their PF in McDyess. This move opens up more playing time for G Rodney Stuckey who is developing very nicely. Stuckey is the PG of the future and will likely take over that starting role next season assuming Iverson walks. This move will also open up cap space this offseason so Detroit can go after some big name free agents. The Pistons have a great defensive squad and adding Iverson will give them an offensive boost they desperately need to contend with Boston. I like this move for the Pistons.
The Nuggets have realized they cannot win with A.I. and Melo. Denver went out and got two known winners to try and change the mentality of their ballclub. Billups is a true PG that will benefit Carmelo Anthony and Kenyon Martin big time. McDyess if he decides to keep playing will be a solid post presence after Marcus Camby was dealt away this offseason. Denver pulled off a nice trade here for what they needed. I like the move for both teams.
