With Arron Afflalo and Walter Sharpe off the books, the PIstons have more financial flexibility. The remaining unrestricted free agent frontcourt players are unspectacular, to say the least. And I don't see where Glen Davis would solve any issues - Boston would probably match an offer sheet starting at $3.8 million, anyway.

We've heard the Rip Hamilton-Carlos Boozer rumor for weeks but the PIstons aren't really thrilled with Boozer, especially with his injury history.

They do like David Lee. Defensively, I don't know if a Lee-Charles Villanueva combo would work but you've got Kwame Brown as a big body off the bench against bigger centers.

Lee would be a very productive addition. Hard worker, great rebounding, eager defender (though not a shot blocker), finds ways to contribute offensively. Guaranteed fan favorite, no small consideration in this economy.

Why not a sign-and-trade for Lee in a three-way deal with Utah?

The Knicks get Boozer and his expiring deal. More ammo for the 2010 free agent sweepstakes.

Rip goes to Utah, filling a huge need at shooting guard. The Pistons get Lee, though they'd probably have to take a contract from Utah (C.J. Miles?) to give the Jazz more financial flexibility to match the Paul Millsap offer sheet extended by Portland.

Something for everybody. This, to me, makes sense all around.

Lee, Villanueva, Prince, Gordon and Stuckey starting, Plenty of young, versatile pieces behind them. Not bad at all.

Certainly food for thought.