None of the noise and upheaval has changed Billups’ stance. He still desperately wants to be a Piston. And he still expects to be a Piston — along with many of his teammates — when the season starts.

“Yep, I do, without a doubt,” Billups said Monday, looking relaxed during a charity golf outing at Birmingham Country Club to benefit the Children’s Center.

Before entering the country club, Billups spent about 30 minutes sitting in a car with Pistons president Joe Dumars, who had spawned speculation by declaring there were no “sacred cows” after the Pistons lost ingloriously to Boston to end another promising season.

Dumars and Billups appeared animated as they talked, their first meeting since Dumars’ volatile postseason address to the media. When the chat was over, Dumars departed and later declined to comment, and Billups sounded like a guy who appreciated what he heard.

• Billups’ heart is with Pistons