Detroit Sent Green to New York for Moore and a Draft Right
On October 28, 1987, Detroit exchanged Sidney Green for Ron Moore and a future second-round selection from the Knicks. The conditional draft timing allowed a 1988 or 1989 choice and the historical ledger associates the exercised right with No. 30 Fennis Dembo in 1988. This was a modest frontcourt and draft-capital transaction rather than a change to the Pistons' core star guard rotation. Detroit sought additional depth and a young prospect opportunity, while New York preferred an experienced forward with a more established NBA record. The teams valued two different types of frontcourt and roster flexibility.
Green Brought an Experienced Forward to the Knicks
Green entered the arrangement with years of NBA experience and could provide size, rebounding and inside play for New York. His record before October 1987 belonged to previous teams, so the Knicks' actual return must begin with their own appearances after the trade. New York did not acquire Detroit's future 1988 second-round selection; that asset moved to the Pistons. The trade gave the Knicks a defined player rather than an uncertain drafted prospect, which was a reasonable objective for a club hoping to stabilize its rotation. The direct benefit remained a supporting piece rather than a franchise centerpiece.
Moore and Dembo Were Developmental Returns for Detroit
Detroit received Moore's rights and an opportunity that became the No. 30 selection associated with Dembo. Those assets gave the Pistons additional choices while developing a roster that was beginning to compete with the league's best teams. Neither should be credited with the full production of Detroit's established championship contributors. The team could evaluate Moore and its drafted guard or forward prospects, but subsequent trades and roster changes would determine whether each produced useful NBA minutes. The right's eventual named draft outcome is a ledger fact, not permission to assign every future professional game of that player to Detroit.
Two Practical But Supporting Returns Make the Deal Even
New York obtained a playable veteran forward, while Detroit gained a current prospect and a second-round draft chance. Both packages provided ordinary rotation or development options and neither by itself explained the clubs' later records. Equal moderate grades are more defensible than drawing a large winning conclusion from Green's previous success or the eventual identity of the future selection. The transaction is best viewed as an exchange of present-day certainty for a broader mix of possible future value. Its historical importance lies chiefly in the teams' roster decisions rather than any single new NBA star.
Final Verdict
Even Trade. Detroit receives B- for Ron Moore and the future second-round right associated with 1988 No. 30 Fennis Dembo. New York also earns B- for adding experienced forward Sidney Green. Detroit's later championship core should not be assigned to these incoming assets, and Green's prior NBA seasons are not newly created Knicks production through this deal.