The Detroit Pistons will trade rookie forward Dave Popson but keep center Darryl Dawkins, the team has announced.
Jack McCloskey, the Pistons' general manager, said Monday that Popson will be waived if the team is unable to trade the former North Carolina player.Meantime, Dawkins temporarily will remain on the roster, replacing center William Bedford, who will open the season on the suspended list while receiving drug counseling.
If Bedford gets reinstated, Dawkins also could face being traded, he said Monday.
"I'm happy to be here at least for the start, anyway," he said. "I'm really glad they're keeping me. I thought I'd be traded."
The 6-foot-11 Dawkins, acquired last season from Utah, played only two games in 1987 before leaving the team for personal reasons.