[dropcap]S[/dropcap]ources have confirmed that the city of Grand Rapids will be getting a NBA Development League team next season when the Springfield Armor relocate.
With the move, the Detroit Pistons will become the third major-league franchise with a minor-league affiliate in the Grand Rapids area. The Detroit Tigers have the West Michigan Whitecaps while the Red Wings are affiliated with the Grand Rapids Griffins.
The Armor will be moved from Springfield, MA.
An agreement has been reached between undisclosed local owners to move the team to the area for the 2014-15 season, sources with the NBA and NBDL have said. The new team will call The DeltaPlex Arena in Walker home i the Grand Rapids suburbs.
Many NBA teams are looking for single-affiliation with NBA D-League teams. The Detroit Pistons are currently associated with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, an honor they share with six other NBA teams. Local owners will handle the day-to-day business operations while the Pistons will control basketball operations for the new team.
An official announcement is expected be made by the Pistons April 15.
The Pit will follow this story as more information is learned.
