3-on-3: Pistons trades

1. How do you grade the Pistons’ trade of D.J. Augustin, Kyle Singler and a second-round pick (or two) for Reggie Jackson?

Brady Fredericksen: B. It’s easy to get angry about moving D.J. Augustin, but it was a very savvy move. He’s been fantastic offensively since Brandon Jennings’ season-ending injury, but he’s been dreadful on defense and will never be more coveted. He’s reached his peak value, and knowing he probably never plays like this again, Stan Van Gundy sold high. I’m not huge on trading Kyle Singler because of what it leaves the Pistons with at small forward, but Jackson is a good player. I think he’s been limited by his role, his teammates (cough, Dion Waiters, cough) and the overall dynamic of the team in Oklahoma City. Nobody really knows what he’s worth as a restricted free agent this summer, but the Pistons will have 30-some games to find out — and they’ll have the ability to retain him. If he explodes and leads them to the playoffs? I think they’d happily pony up and figure it out later.

Tim Thielke: A-. I love it. Augustin has been dynamite for the Pistons lately, but I can’t possibly see him maintaining anywhere close to the 20 and 8 on 47/43/96 he’s been averaging over the past 10 games. And Jackson averaged comparable numbers as a starter. But Jackson is three years younger and has played a lot better than Augustin had at this point in his career (although he is the inferior shooter of the two). Singler and a possible second second-rounder are minor throw-ins for a guy who has significantly more value. It would have been an A+ if the Pistons somehow got a pick out of it like some thought initially.

Dan Feldman: A. Jackson is the best player in the trade and the one with the most upside. The Pistons just got a potential star for a platter that is unlikely to include a single starter on a good team. Sure, there are complications – handling Jackson’s restricted free agency this summer and what to do when Brandon Jennings gets healthy – but Detroit can figure that out later. The Pistons’ position became dramatically better as a result of this deal.

2. How do you grade the Pistons’ trade of Jonas Jerebko and Luigi Datome for Tayshaun Prince?

Brady Fredericksen: D+. On the same day Minnesota re-acquires Kevin Garnett, the Pistons swing a deal for Prince. After the Chauncey Billups signing last season, I’m over nostalgia pick ups. I don’t think the Pistons gave up too much in the deal — Jonas Jerebko and Gigi Datome aren’t anything to worry about. Prince has an expiring deal just like Jerebko and Datome do. The issue is Prince isn’t good. Jerebko is probably as good at small forward, but that’s like arguing whether you want to eat week-old leftover tacos or week-old leftover lasagna — both are bad. Prince will bring leadership, but isn’t that why Butler is here? I dunno. It’s nostalgic, but doesn’t help today. If Prince does anything to help on the court, that’s more than I expect.

Tim Thielke: D+. I dislike it. I think Jerebko is a better SF than Prince at this point, plus he offers a lot more value at PF. I’ve given up on Datome by now. If he was unable to crack the rotation this year, competing with Singler and Butler, he’s irrelevant. But I think the Pistons gave up a minor asset for nothing.

Dan Feldman: D. Jonas Jerebko was clearly unhappy with his lack of playing time, and this could have been a favor to him and his agent. But with Singler gone, there was room for Jerebko to get minutes at small forward. I’d take him over Prince, who seems washed up. Sure, sentimentally, I’m glad to see Prince back, but that feeling will probably diminish once I have to watch him play. At least this trade was cap-neutral and opens another roster spot to sign a free agent.

3. How do you grade the Pistons’ overall trade-deadline day performance?

Brady Fredericksen: B-. Selling high on Augustin to acquire Jackson was good. I think he’ll do well down the stretch, though it will be interesting to see what they do in the offseason once Jennings gets healthy. Trading for Prince is fun for 14-year-old me, but doesn’t do much to help. The Pistons are still stuck with John Lucas III as their backup point guard and they have the worst group of small forwards in the NBA. They acquired assets, but I think they were leapfrogged by both Brooklyn (acquired Thaddeus Young from Minny) and Boston (acquired Isaiah Thomas from Phoenix) in the standings.

Tim Thielke: B+, a very good trade deadline. The Pistons got a player that might be part of the long-term plan and they gave up almost nothing. The only real potential downside is the possibility of Jackson costing ridiculously more than Augustin without actually producing much more. Singler delivered production way above his salary, but that was only going to last through this summer anyway.

Dan Feldman: B+. Jackson matters most. He gives the Pistons a chance to assemble an exciting core, one that could make Greg Monroe think a little harder before leaving in free agency this summer. But I just don’t get the Prince trade. Detroit got older and arguably worse, though if the Pistons really felt they needed a small forward, there’s a chance Prince is better at his primary position than Jerebko at his secondary position. Mostly, I’m annoyed by the opportunity cost. The Pistons are probably weaker now due to the Jackson trade costing a vital wing player, and their playoff competition stocked up. I’m more pessimistic about making the playoffs and would have rather dealt Jerebko for any draft pick rather than Prince if possible. I’m not certain Detroit could have done that, but there was a decent amount of pre-deadline chatter about Jerebko.