The Detroit Pistons decided to trade Tayshaun Prince and Austin Daye to the Grizzlies as part of a three team deal involving the Toronto Raptors.The Toronto Raptors send a second-round pick, Ed Davis and Calderon to Memphis for the centerpiece in the deal, Rudy Gay, and center Hamed Haddadi.  Memphis, in turn, sends Calderon to Detroit for Prince and Daye.

Before I go into my own personal rant about this trade by the Pistons, check out how some fans found out in a hilarious pre-game moment last night.

The kid literally found out during warm ups!  When he confirmed it with his friend on the phone, he took his jersey off and sat down.  I think every Piston fan felt the same way on the inside.

Tayshaun talked a little bit after finding out about the trade. (Turn up your volume to hear the interview.)

I KNOW THAT THIS DEAL WAS ALL ABOUT SAVING MONEY FOR THE PISTONS . . . I GET THAT!

I just wanted to make that clear before I started my rant.  The Pistons stand to be $30 million under the salary cap during the upcoming off season thanks to the trade.  With all that being said, this doesn't make it any easier to stomach what just happened.

Prince was the last piece of the 2004 NBA Championship team, and during his 10 seasons in Detroit, has been the consummate professional.  He is the only current Piston that I feel resembles Joe Dumars' professional standard during his playing years.

Prince is an NBA Champion, All-Star and Olympic Gold Medalist.  While this is part of the business of pro-sports, it hurts to see a guy like Prince get traded for nothing when he should have retired at The Palace.

Thank you Tay for all your years of class, defense, awkward left handed shots and one of the most memorable defensive moments in NBA history.  You will be missed.

 

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