At this point, unless Joe is offered a trade he can't refuse, I think the plan is to wait until the deadline to trade Rip.
Rip's value is very low right now given his contract, age, and league wide perception that he's unhappy & expendable do to the Flash Gordon pick-up. So if Rip shows off his versatility as a SG/SF swing man along w/ his ability to still play at a high level, he will be MUCH more valuable by the deadline. Also keep in mind all the expiring contracts that will be bait in a trade come February. Big Ben will most likely be a one year contract along w/ a PG signing (Jeremy Pargo or a Vet). Include Brown & Bymun, suddenly Detroit becomes a valuable trade partner. Plus you have to assume there will be more quality players available in a scramble to make one more move before the summer of 2010, save $ or snag that one guy who gets you over the proverbial hump
As far as Prince is concerned, I think Dumars plans to hold on to him until next summer. Not only because his value will be higher (w/ only one year left on his contract), he's also the perfect person to mentor Austin Daye.
With the mid-level exception, bi-annual exception & Tay as a trade piece, Joe will be in a position to put this team back in championship contention by the start of the 2010-11 season.
