UPDATE 3:24 PM: And it’s official and done, Will Bynum is headed to Boston (at least temporarily) and Joel Anthony is part of the crowded Pistons’ front court.
11:18 AM: The Boston Celtics would like to save some cash.
The Detroit Pistons want depth along the front line because Aaron Gray has been out and it’s possible down the line they could trade one of their front line guys (Greg Monroe).
So the two have come together on a possible trade, reports Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com.
The Boston Celtics are working to finalize a trade that will send center Joel Anthony to the Detroit Pistons for guard Will Bynum, according to a league source.
The Celtics appear to be making the move with roster flexibility in mind. They have 16 fully guaranteed contracts on their books and must trim that to 15 before the start of the regular season. Swapping Anthony, who is set to make $3.8 million this season, for Bynum, who will earn $2.9 million, will save the team $900,000.
Bynum is buried on the Pistons depth chart, but that doesn’t really change in Boston. He likely doesn’t stick with the team, suggests A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com.
Will Bynum's agent says they'll "keep an open mind" about the trade to Boston. #Celtics #Celticstalk
— A. Sherrod Blakely (@ASherrodblakely) October 17, 2014
The issue in Det for Bynum? Too many guards. Here w/the #Celtics? Same problem. Can't see him sticking unless C's are making another deal.
— A. Sherrod Blakely (@ASherrodblakely) October 17, 2014
This deal appears almost done and likely gets finalized later on Friday or at least over the weekend.