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Detroit Pistons Trade Rumors: How realistic is a trade for D’Angelo Russell?

By Ryan Love

DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 07: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons tries to make a move around D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on February 7, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 07: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons tries to make a move around D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on February 7, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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BROOKLYN, NY – APRIL 1: D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball against Reggie Jackson #1 of the Detroit Pistons on April 1, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY – APRIL 1: D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball against Reggie Jackson #1 of the Detroit Pistons on April 1, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Point Guard for Sale in Golden State

All signs point to the Pistons moving on from Reggie Jackson after this upcoming season – should he survive any trade talks before it ends.

With Jackson gone, Detroit will be on the market for its next starting point guard to pair with Blake Griffin for the last couple of years in his contract.

The Golden State Warriors agreed to a sign-and-trade for Brooklyn Nets point guard D’Angelo Russell late on the first night of free agency June 30. Russell will sign a four-year, $117 million deal is finalized.

Russell provides the offensive threat and second option for the Warriors with the departure of Kevin Durant and the ACL injury to Klay Thompson.

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However, Thompson is expected to recover before the end of next season which would find him rejoining Russell and Steph Curry in a crowded backcourt. Keeping Russell would likely force Thompson to the small forward position where he could still be a strong defender but could face challenges from longer defenders when the ball is in his hands.

Thompson is an all-time talent as a shooter but is best equipped at shooting guard with the ease he gets his shots off.

Following the sign-and-trade, New York Times Reporter Marc Stein said on the Dan Patrick Show that the Warriors would almost certainly be looking to trade Russell.

However, NBC Sports NBA Insider Tom Haberstroh later reported the Warriors have (not surprisingly) denied the trade rumor.

"“Despite playing the same position as star point guard Stephen Curry, league sources shot down the notion that the Warriors aren’t acquiring Russell purely as a temporary rental,” Haberstroh said."

It should not be a shock to anyone the Warriors would not shout from a mountaintop that they don’t plan to trade a star they just acquired.