Houston Rockets Trade Sam Dalembert And 14th Pick To The Bucks (Grade The Trade) by Chris Walder

According to team sources, the Detroit Pistons will send guard Ben Gordon and a lottery-protected first round pick to the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for forward Corey Maggette.

The first round pick is lottery protected in 2013, top-eight in 2014, top-one in 2015 and unprotected in 2016.

Ben Gordon has 2 years left on his contract worth $25.6 million dollars. The Pistons will save over $14 million with this deal. Maggette’s contract expires in 2013. He’s owed $10.6 million dollars.

GRADE FOR CHARLOTTE BOBCATS: B

During the regular season, Ben Gordon averaged 12.5 points and 2.3 rebounds in 52 games for the Pistons. He’s clearly not the same player who was averaging 20 points for the Chicago Bulls years ago, but he is still a solid veteran (which this young roster needs) who can help the Bobcats in many ways.

With D.J Augustin (restricted free-agent) and Kemba Walker locked in at point guard and Gerald Henderson saving his starters spot at the 2 with a career year, Ben will more than likely come off the bench and be the teams sixth man.

That lottery-protected pick will also help in Charlottes rebuilding process down the road. With the departure of Maggette and an opening at the 3 spot, it could indicate that the Bobcats are interested in drafting Michael Kidd-Gilchrist this Thursday during the draft.

Overall, a change of scenery could be a good thing for Gordon. It’s just unfortunate that it had to be with the lowly Bobcats.

GRADE FOR DETROIT PISTONS: B

The Pistons were the fourth-lowest scoring team in basketball in 2012 at just under 91 points a game. Corey Maggettes biggest strength is his knack for scoring.

It seems like a perfect fit, doesn’t it?

Despite playing just 32 games for the Bobcats last season due to injury, Corey still managed to average 15.0 points a game while getting to the free-throw line just under 7 times a contest (one of his claims to fame is his ability to draw fouls). He did however shoot a career-low 37% from the field.

Maggette will be with the Pistons for just this upcoming season as his contract comes off the books which will save the team some big money. He will challenge Tayshawn Prince for minutes at the 3 spot and give the Pistons a much-needed boost on offense. It was only 2 years ago that Corey was averaging 19.8 points on 52% shooting for the Golden State Warriors.

With Gordon now out of the picture, more minutes will be freed up for Brandon Knight and Rodney Stuckey at the guard positions.

Christopher Walder is a sports blogger and lead editor for Sir Charles in Charge. You may follow him on Twitter @WalderSports