Grizzlies And Pistons Complete Trade

So Memphis picked Tayshaun Prince over Corey Magette, a smart move because he's a championship veteran who puts the team first and will do whatever it takes to win. I respect Prince tremendously, as I do with that entire 2004 heavily-unfavored Pistons championship team. Prince is the last of the '04 core to leave Detroit and Calderon will come in to help the young and talented Brandon Knight, whether it be easing his heavy minutes or mentoring him.

Tayshaun Prince

The Grizzlies, on the other hand, add a piece that will almost surely win them a game or two in the playoffs, but I don't know if Prince can push them to the Western Conference Finals. He is the clutch wing player they needed, plays much better defense than Rudy Gay, and if he doesn't fit in with the Memphis core his contract ends this summer. Not a bad move for the Grizz, but definitely not an improvement over Gay.

The Grizzlies also get Austin Daye, a skinny forward like Prince, but hasn't lived up to expectations. I would have loved to see Conley-Allen-Gay-Randolph-Gasol make another run together in the playoffs but Memphis must trust Randolph, Gasol and most of all Conley enough to carry the offensive load.

Not a special trade for either team, just like the Grizzlies-Raptors deal earlier.