Aussies in NBA: Bairstow traded to Pistons

Aussie big man Cameron Bairstow has been traded from the Chicago Bulls to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for reserve point guard Spencer Dinwiddie.

https://twitter.com/talkhoops/status/743834112784367622

In a move Pistons.com are calling ‘cap-motivated’, the initial signs don’t look good for Bairstow sticking in Detroit.

Pistons GM Jeff Bower indicated that the primary motivation for the deal was giving a greater opportunity to Dinwiddie, rather than acquiring the services of Bairstow.

“The biggest thing was giving Spencer an opportunity in another situation that could benefit him long-term,’’ Bower said.

Bairstow’s contract for next season is currently non-guaranteed however it will become guaranteed on 25 July 2016 (U.S. time), meaning the Pistons will have to make a decision if they want to keep him by then.

Also working against Bairstow playing in Detroit is he won’t be able to impress the team in Summer League play as he will be preparing for the upcoming Rio Olympics with the Boomers squad.

There is the possibility that Aron Baynes could put in a good word for his countryman and the Detroit brass could decide to cut the older and more expensive Joel Anthony instead, however this is probably a long shot.

If he finds himself without a team by the end of July, Bairstow has the perfect opportunity to push his name in front of NBA GMs again in Rio. With Andrew Bogut ruling himself 'very unlikely' to participate Bairstow should find himself with more minutes in the tournament

A good showing could land him on a team in need of a reserve big with improving stretchiness in his game.