New Deal Would Likely Bring Pistons To New Arena For 2017-2018 Season
By Will Burchfield
@burchie_kid
Amid numerous reports that the Detroit Pistons are going to relocate to downtown Detroit in the near future and join the Detroit Red Wings in Little Caesars Arena, team owner Tom Gores said on Friday a deal could be finalized imminently.
"Look, I think if we're going to do it, it's going to be soon," Gores said. "I've always, I think, been relatively transparent with (the media) and we're getting close.
"Were very close to a deal."
The Red Wings will begin playing in Little Caesars Arena, owned by the Ilitch family, in the 2017-18 season. Gores said if a deal is reached with the Ilitches to make the Pistons co-tenants, the team would begin playing there next season as well.
"That would be fair to say, yes," said Gores.
Talk of moving the Pistons back downtown, where they haven't played since 1978, has gained steam in the face of poor attendance at the Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons have finished in the bottom six in the NBA in attendance for the the past five seasons.
"We've always gotta do the right thing, do the right thing for the fans, do the right things for the franchise," Gores said. "Again, just to be direct with you guys, we've had very good conversations with the Ilitchs."
Gores indicated that the continuing rebuild of downtown Detroit has added to the appeal of relocating the franchise.
"There is a lot going on down there. If you look at it, the Tigers, the Red Wings, the Lions, there's a lot going on down there, there's a lot of activity," he said.
Whether or not they move, Gores feels the Pistons are fulfilling his goal of making a positive impact in the greater Detroit area.
"I think what I thought when I bought the team was we could move the community and I think we're doing a pretty good job with that. And to this day I really think that is the most important thing. As much as I want to win, the impact on community is huge and that's what sports teams do. So I think we're going to make an impact wherever we are and if we can help Detroit revitalize – and it is coming back – that would be great, but I think we're already inspiring a lot of people," Gores said.
According to Gores, there is no deadline on making a deal to move by next season. But those involved are working hard to get something done soon.
"Just so you guys are clear, we don't have a deal. But we are talking serious," he said.
Gores was then asked if a deal could be announced in the coming days. At that, the Pistons owner seemed to repress a slight grin.
"We'll see, we'll see," he said.
