Could the Detroit Pistons send Reggie Jackson to the Orlando Magic? According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, there is at least a discussion.
Reggie Jackson has been a hot name on the trade market this season. First ESPN’s Marc Stein reported that he was involved in a deal that would net the Pistons Ricky Rubio and send him Minnesota.
Just a couple days ago Zach Lowe reported that the Pistons were exploring options for Jackson.
Now, Jackson finds himself in the midst of another trade rumor.
The Pistons and Magic have discussed a trade that would send Reggie Jackson to Orlando for D.J. Augustin and Jeff Green, league sources say.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 17, 2017
Not yet clear if talks go past the "discussion" phase but Detroit, as @ZachLowe_NBA noted this week, has been exploring its Reggie options.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 17, 2017
Keep in mind Stein was also the first to report the Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves trade talks, though obviously nothing ever materialized.
Clearly discussions are happening, but it’s important to note how uneventful a “discussion” is. Discussions happen all the time.
I think the Pistons are just doing their due diligence in regards to assessing Jackson’s value. I’m not saying Stan Van Gundy and Jeff Bower have moved on from Jackson as a key cog, but it is a possibility.
My take is that Jackson is too talented of a player to let go of, at least, for someone like D.J. Augustin and Jeff Green.
Now if there is a 2017 first round pick and/or Mario Hezonja involved then I would probably make that deal. Future assets and young talent on rookie contracts are essential in today’s NBA–particularly when most teams can’t compete with Golden State and Cleveland anyways.
Unless the Pistons get a similar deal from the Magic or any other team, I would be shocked if Jackson was dealt.
Nevertheless, this hypothetical trade involving Green and Augustin isn’t even valid so this can’t be the whole deal.
The Pistons would be over the luxury tax threshold and would have too many players on the roster, so this can’t be the only pieces.
Still, if a trade were to materialize, it is interesting to note the Hezonja/Arn Tellum/Pistons connection.
Next: Stan Van Gundy not worried about Reggie Jackson
While that has little consequence is swaying the Magic, it might be something that interests Detroit who would have a very thorough evaluation of Hezonja.