The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

October 17, 2000

“Vaught Finally Leaves Detroit”

The Detroit Pistons traded F Loy Vaught to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for G Dana Barros and F Ansu Sesay.

Note:

• Barros will be a free agent next summer.
• Detroit waived Sesay on 10 / 18.

2000 - 2001 Player Salaries:

Loy Vaught, Dal: $5.6 M.

Dana Barros, Det: $3.7 M.

Ansu Sesay, Det: $1.2 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Detroit.

Why?

The Pistons are trying to gain as much salary cap flexibility as possible. This deal saves them $11 M over the next 3 seasons.

For whatever reason, Loy Vaught fell out of favor with the Pistons’ coaches / front office. Despite his back surgery from 3 years ago, Vaught had worked himself into good playing shape; however, he hardly played last season.

Dallas will give Loy a fresh start.

“It's a chance to have a fresh start, and I hope I'm able to contribute something,” said Vaught, now entering his 11th season. “I think I have something that I can offer, and I'm thankful for the opportunity.”

If he’s healthy and able, Loy, 6’9, should provide some much needed rebounding for the Mavericks.

Mavericks coach Don Nelson said, “We've got a guy that can fulfill a need if he's healthy, so we thought that it might be worth a risk. He used to rebound and he used to make open shots.”

Barros, 5’11, is recovering from a back injury; and, the Pistons don’t expect him back for up to 3 more months. However, if he fully recovers, Dana can provide the Pistons some much needed perimeter shooting.

George Irvine, Pistons’ head coach said, “He's the kind of guy who can come off a screen and make a shot or create his own. He would make us smaller in the backcourt, but he's knowledgeable and knows how to play the game.”