It's a story that has been around forever: When your neighbor gets something new, you want to see it.

So it was with much interest the Pistons' braintrust analyzed Tuesday's blockbuster deal between Central Division mates Indiana and Chicago. The cellar-dwelling Bulls acquired former Michigan and Detroit Southwestern standout Jalen Rose and Travis Best, plus change. The Pacers, in position to squeeze into the playoffs, got Ron Mercer, Ron Artest, Brad Miller and Kevin Ollie.

"I was just looking at that trade," president Joe Dumars said after the Pistons finished practice, their first since they tied Milwaukee atop the Central on Monday night. "The first thing you do is try and analyze it and gauge who may have gotten the better end of the deal. I think Indiana definitely has added more depth. Mercer can score, Artest is a tough guy, Brad Miller is a banger around the basket. They're a playoff-contending team and somebody we're going to have to contend with."

"It certainly helps Indiana defensively," coach Rick Carlisle said. "They get a big guy and some tough-minded guys in Ollie and Miller."