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Updated: July 18, 2009, 8:04 PM ET
Source: Wilcox agrees with Pistons
By Chad Ford
ESPN.com
The Detroit Pistons have agreed to a two-year deal with free agent Chris Wilcox, a source told ESPN.com.
The deal is for $6 million over the next two years according to sources.
Wilcox was signed as a replacement for Antonio McDyess, who left the team via free agency to sign with the Spurs.
Wilcox is an athletic big who, at 26, still has some upside. However, he's coming off one of the worst seasons of his career.
The previous three years, Wilcox averaged a little more than 13 points, but his numbers dipped to 7.2 per game last season in time split between the Thunder and Knicks.
The Pistons are hoping Wilcox can provide some scoring and athleticism off the bench behind another free agent signing, Charlie Villanueva.
Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.
From MLive.com:
Pistons reach deal with free agent Chris Wilcox
by A. Sherrod Blakely
Saturday July 18, 2009, 9:15 PM
LAS VEGAS -- The Detroit Pistons have added yet another talented, athletic big man to their roster after reaching an agreement with Chris Wilcox.
The 6-foot-10, 235-pound forward is expected to sign a two-year deal that should be worth about $6 million.
Wilcox, who will be 27 years old in September, has averaged 9.4 points and 5.3 rebounds primarily as a reserve during seven NBA seasons.
He becomes the third free agent addition for Detroit this summer, joining Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva who each signed multi-year deals with Detroit earlier this month.
Because of his strength, size and athleticism, Wilcox will have a chance to be in the starting lineup. His stiffest competition will come from Kwame Brown, who remains Detroit's lone true center.
The Pistons are likely to add at least one more free agent big man to the roster. Signing Wilcox basically wiped out the remainder of Detroit's salary cap space. For them to add another player, Detroit will have to sign them to the veteran's minimum, which is $1.3 million.
Former Piston Ben Wallace, who recently reached a $10 million buyout with the Phoenix Suns, is among the most likely players Detroit will add to its roster. Other possibilities include Rasha Nesterovic and Drew Gooden.
From Freep.com:
Pistons agree to deal with big man Chris Wilcox
By VINCE ELLIS • FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER • July 18, 2009
Of the big men bandied about as possibilities for the Pistons’ remaining $3.2 million to spend on the open market, Chris Wilcox is probably the most intriguing.
So it’s not surprising that the 6-foot-10 center/power forward has agreed to a two-year, $6 million deal with the Pistons.
When Wilcox comes to Detroit, he will likely battle with Kwame Brown for the starting center spot.
The Pistons were interested in restricted free agent Glen Davis, but the likelihood of the Celtics matching any offer the Pistons could muster apparently scared them off.
Drew Gooden, Rasho Nesterovic and others were also listed as possibilities but the athletic Wilcox is probably the most talented low-cost option on the market.
A first-round pick of the L.A. Clippers in 2002, Wilcox once averaged 13.5 points and 7.7 rebounds for the Sonics in the 2005-06 season.
But he is coming off the two worst seasons of his seven-year career – 7.2 points and 4.5 rebounds for the Thunder and the Knicks. He is very athletic and can pull off some highlight-reel dunks, but he is also known for not being the best defender in the world.
Still, Wilcox, 26, is young and at $3 million per season, is an inexpensive option.
From Garuder's NBA Nuggets:
Saturday, July 18, 2009
IT'S WILCOX
The mystery concerning the Pistons' search for a big man is over. The club has reportedly reached a two-year agreement with journeyman power forward Chris Wilcox.
Wilcox has played for the Clippers, Seattle/Oklahoma City and the Knicks. He had his best years in Seattle, averaging as much as 14 points and 8 rebounds.
I had been advocating something bolder - a sign-and-trade for David Lee - but Joe Dumars took a much-less expensive alternative and held onto Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince. Wilcox will apparently receive the rest of Detroit's cap space - about $3.2 million.
Now, they'll go about the business of signing their three rookie forwards - Austin Daye, DaJuan Summers and Jonas Jerebko - and possibly shooting guard Deron Washington. It also leaves open the possibility of bringing back Ben Wallace for the veteran's minimum - $1.3 million - to allow Big Ben to finish his career here.
Can't really get excited about the Pistons' frontcourt rotation - Charlie Villanueva, Wilcox, Kwame Brown, Jason Maxiell and either Jerebko or Wallace. They're strong on the wings and still in good financial shape to sign an impact free agent next season or make a significant trade during the season or next offseason.
posted by Dana Gauruder at 11:16 PM
