Pistons News: Chauncey Billups Likely To Retire

Feb 7, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons shooting guard Chauncey Billups (1) moves the ball defended by Brooklyn Nets point guard Marquis Teague (12) in the second half at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Detroit won 111-95. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Pistons announced on Monday that they declined to pick up Chauncey Billups‘s $2.5 million team option for 2014-15, potentially bringing an end to his playing days.

"“Chauncey Billups will always be a valued member of the Detroit Pistons’ family,” said Stan Van Gundy, the Pistons’ newly appointed coach and president of basketball operations. “Decisions like these are always difficult to make and we certainly wish Chauncey and his family the best in the future.”"

Billups was the NBA Finals MVP when the Pistons won championship in 2004. In 2008 he was traded away for Allen Iverson, a move that ultimately sunk Detroit from title contension.

“Just getting older, it sucks sometimes you know.”-Billups

 Mr. Big Shot returned to the team last summer via free agency, five years after he was traded. However his return was plagued by injuries, including a late-season knee injury which ended his year after just 19 games and seven starts. Billups, now 37-years-old, recently told 9News in Denver that he was considering retirement.

More from Detroit Pistons

• This Pistons Team Could be the Worst in Detroit Sports History
• Could the Pistons Have the Longest Losing Streak in NBA History? 
• What Ausar Thompson and Bill Walton Already Have in Common
• WATCH: Awesome Alley-Oop From Pistons’ Rookies Showcases Exciting Future
• 3 Michigan Sportsbook Promos You Can’t Afford to Miss (Unlock Over $2,400!)

"“It’s been very frustrating,” Billups told the television station. “But as we know, Father Time is undefeated. He’s undefeated. But I can’t be too frustrated, I got a lot of miles and a lot of use out of my body.”"

Last month Billups professed his desire to join a front office, telling The Detroit News that he had learned from Detroit’s executives of the inner workings of their front office and how to scout talent.

 Most recently, Billups has been rumored to be in the running for an assistant coaching job with the Timberwolves. ESPN.com’s Marc Stein tweeted that Flip Saunders, Minnesota’s coach and president of basketball operations, was likely to pursue the Colorado legend as an assistant.