RIP gets 3-year extension

[Joe Asberry]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3680959

Source: Hamilton's new Pistons contract worth $34M
ESPN.com

The Detroit Pistons didn't stop at making over their backcourt Monday.

In addition to acquiring Allen Iverson in a three-for-one trade with the Denver Nuggets, the Pistons agreed to a three-year extension with Richard Hamilton, a team source told ESPN.com's Chad Ford.

The new contract is worth $34 million, with the first two years guaranteed. The third year is only a partial guarantee, the source told Ford.

Earlier Monday, Detroit sent Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb to Denver in exchange for Iverson.

"We just felt it was the right time to change our team," Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars told The Associated Press. "Iverson gives us a dimension that we haven't had here and we really think it's going to help us."

Chad Ford covers the NBA and NBA Draft for ESPN Insider.

[Tahoe]

And I always thought Rip would be the first to go.

[BubblesTheLion]

Thank god.
*amended*
Thank Joe.

[Fool]

I was so affraid of him leaving...

[WTFchris]

That was a pretty good deal IMO. This ensures AI is gone next year (unless he gives us a MAJOR discount to come off the bench, which I don't see).

I think it also means we renounce Sheed (is he even restricted?) next year and try for Boozer. If he doesn't come then we try again with Bosh or Amare the next year.

I think that is the long term plan. Pair RIP, Tay and Stuckey with Boozer/Bosh/Amare and platoon Amir and Max up front.

[Laxation]

What a day!

[Glenn]

This is great news. I'm glad Joe realized the seriousness of the situation.

If he had let Rip hit the open market, he might not have liked the result.

LOL

[Fool]

Time to start worrying about Stuckey's rookie deal ending, Glenn?

[Uncle Mxy]

I'm still sorta worried about him losing a step, but he constantly works at bringing more to his game and performs during the playoffs when not hurt, so I guess I should kick back and relax.

[Wilfredo Ledezma]

This extension all but guarantees #32 will be going up in the rafters someday...