The Detroit Pistons have a number of options at the trade deadline, including unloading some of their veteran talent for draft picks or prospects.
Wayne Ellington has long been rumored to be headed out at the deadline, which makes sense, as he is on the final year of his contract, isn’t part of the long-term plans and could net an asset in the form of a second-round pick or maybe even a project player.
Another guy who could be moved is Josh Jackson, who might have become redundant after the Pistons traded for Hamidou Diallo, who is younger and does a lot of the same things.
There is a case to be made for trading Jackson at the deadline or not, as he has definitely built some value but is also on a team-friendly deal and is still young enough that a breakout in the near future is possible.
Trading Jackson now could be selling low, but if the Pistons could package him with Ellington and get a young player who better fits their needs, then they should definitely consider it.
What do the Detroit Pistons need?
The Pistons now have a number of above-the-rim athletes with length who can defend but what they really lack is shooting.
Saddiq Bey has shot the ball well for a rookie, and Jerami Grant has improved from long-range, but after trading away Svi Mykhailiuk, the Pistons don’t really have anyone who is a considered an “elite” shooter, especially if they end up trading Wayne Ellington as predicted.
The Boston Celtics are trying to add depth for a run at the Finals and could use some shooting as well as additional wing defenders, so there might be a good match for the Pistons to send them both Jackson and Ellington.
But what could they get in return?