Detroit ? Is there anybody left in the state of Michigan who expects Larry Brown to coach the Pistons next season?

I mean, I suppose it’s possible, since Brown always has changed directions faster than Dwyane Wade ever will. But it’s getting really, really hard to imagine.

First of all, Brown’s health is a serious issue. He is understandably worried. He understandably has reservations about coaching anywhere next season. But he also doesn’t seem like he wants to be here.

If you break down this latest Brown-to-the-Cleveland Cavaliers rumor, you’ll notice a few things.

For one, it’s not a rumor. It was a news report in the New York Times. And it was accompanied by a similar report in the Plain Dealer in Cleveland.

For another, Brown never really denied it. He can moan about reporters using “sources” (rather than just printing what he says, I guess) and he can deny talking to Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, but in journalism we call those “non-denial denials.” There are many ways to make your interest known. You don’t have to meet the owner at Starbucks.

And while Gilbert told CNBC he planned to fill his vacancies in “one to two weeks,” that means nothing. His timetable could change. Or he could fill his jobs, then create another one for Brown.

This all sets up an obvious end to Brown’s tenure with the Pistons:

It is late June. Maybe the Pistons have won another championship. Maybe they haven’t.

Brown, 64, tells Joe Dumars he is worried about his health and doesn’t think he can coach next season. Dumars says he understands and thanks Brown for two successful years. Brown says oh, by the way, I still want to be involved in the game. (It would be “neat” to work with the “kids.”)

Now Dumars is too smart to give Brown a meaningful job in the Pistons’ front office. Brown doesn’t want that, anyway. So they agree to part ways, and Brown is free to seek another job.

Like, for example, as president of basketball operations for Cleveland, or some other franchise.

And in a year or so, when Brown’s new team is struggling, everybody in his new city will beg him to take over as coach. And Brown will say he really isn’t sure, it’s a tough grind and, by the way, please beg louder.

And if Brown feels healthy again, he’ll take over as coach.

I fully expect Gilbert to hire a coach soon – before the Pistons are done with the playoffs. The question is, what kind of coach?

If Gilbert hires Phil Jackson, Flip Saunders or some other big-name coach, then Brown won’t end up in Cleveland.

If Gilbert brings in a young coach or career assistant (translation: “easily fireable”), then look for Brown to join him this summer.

It all makes sense. Frankly, it would work for all parties: The Pistons would get a lower-maintenance coach; Brown would get some time to deal with his health and decide whether he wants to coach again; and Gilbert would get a public-relations boost and – potentially – Larry Brown to coach an up-and-coming team. Brown is one of the best coaches ever for up-and-coming teams.

I have only one problem with this whole scenario: We shouldn’t be discussing this now. And that’s Brown’s fault. If Brown let Cleveland know he is interested, directly or indirectly, that is inexcusable.