MILWAUKEE — The Detroit Pistons have acquired veteran Ersan Ilyasova from the Milwaukee Bucks, adding a long-range shooter to their frontcourt.
Detroit sent forwards Caron Butler and Shawne Williams to Milwaukee in the trade announced Thursday.
Butler returns to the Bucks after signing as a free agent with Milwaukee in 2013, though Butler and Williams might be most valuable to the Bucks for their expiring contracts.
Ilyasova is under contract through the 2016-17 season. He was the longest-tenured player on the Bucks with seven seasons in Milwaukee.
Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy said the 6-foot-10 Ilyasova is a player Detroit has coveted. He averaged 10.7 points and 6 rebounds in 453 games, all with the Bucks. He is a career 37 percent shooter from 3-point range.
“Not only is (Ilyasova) a proficient 3-point shooter that can stretch the floor, he is a high-energy, hard-playing guy who fits extremely well with how we want to play,” Van Gundy said.
The Bucks get even younger after trading away 28-year-old Ilyasova. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker, both 20, are expected to be frontcourt mainstays for years to come.
Milwaukee also might look to add a rebounding forward with the 17th overall selection in the NBA draft later this month. UCLA one-and-done forward Kevon Looney might be available when the Bucks pick — he was among a handful of prospects who worked out for the team Thursday.
The Bucks also hope to bring back restricted free agent and starting shooting guard Khris Middleton, while key reserve forward Jared Dudley has a player option for 2015-16.
Thumbnail photo via Benny Sieu/USA TODAY Sports Images
