PISTONS PICK UP ILYASOVA
The Detroit Pistons acquired combo forward Ersan Ilyasova from the Milwaukee Bucks for swingman Caron Butler and combo forward Shawne Williams.
What does it give the Detroit Pistons
Ilyasova is the type of player Pistons boss Stan Van Gundy loves: he can hit the three-pointer regularly, he's energetic, and he can play either forward position. Those qualities might make Ilyasova a starter for Detroit right away (either at small forward or power forward), and if he doesn't start then Ilyasova should at least be a big-minute sixth man for his new squad. Detroit is taking on an extra year of salary to acquire him, so clearly Van Gundy covets Ilyasova.
What does it give the Milwaukee Bucks
The young, super-athletic Bucks are a team on the rise and have several options to replace super-solid vet Ilyasova. Moreover, this move frees up money for future contracts. Milwaukee effectively saves a year of salary by moving Ilyasova, and as mentioned the team has solid (and younger) options such as Khris Middleton and John Henson to replace him. Expect them to target a power forward at the upcoming NBA Draft.
Fantasy impact
Ilyasova's fantasy value gets a solid boost with this move to Detroit, since it's clear the Pistons have bigger plans for him than the Bucks did. Expect him to challenge Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Greg Monroe for minutes at the Pistons' forward positions (and for the latter two to possibly see minor downgrades in value as a result), and / or for Caldwell-Pope to play more shooting guard (with Reggie Jackson possibly playing more at point guard with Brandon Jennings). It's hard to imagine the Bucks have similarly big plans for Butler or Williams, but the likes of Henson and Middleton should see increases in playing time following Ilyasova's departure.
