NBA Blog

Just thought everyone should know that Fabricio Oberto and Chauncey Billups have filed their paperwork to become restricted free agents.  I steadfastedly believe that Oberto will still be a Spur next season.  However, I am not so convinced that Billups will remain in Detroit.  He’s from Denver and went to college there.  I anticipate that he wants to return to that area (I am sure that the chance to play with Iverson and Anthony is somewhat enticing as well).  The Nuggets have been trying to chop away at their potential luxury tax hit, and have been shopping Marcus Camby.  I’m not sure what Billups will cost, but I believe that a Camby-for-Billups sign-and-trade could work.  There may need to be some extra pieces thrown into the mix (Dale Davis’ expiring contract, or J.R. Smith’s rookie deal), but I do not see why the two teams could not work something out.  The Pistons would then have the chance to draft Billups’ replacement in the draft by selecting either Law or Crittenton.  They would also be bringing in a proven big man to start next to Rasheed in the post while Maxiel and Amir Johnson continue to develop.  Nobody is going to take Nazr Mohammed’s contract outright, but the Pistons may be able to move him with some other pieces involved, possibly Hunter’s contract if he retires.