Detroit Pistons: Pros and cons of trading Josh Jackson this offseason
The Detroit Pistons will have a number of personnel decisions to make this offseason, including what to do with Josh Jackson.
Jackson will be entering the final year of a team-friendly contract that will pay him just over $5 million, so there is a solid argument for keeping him as a low-cost contributor.
But there is also an argument that he is more valuable to the Pistons as a trade asset, as they are still a rebuilding team and need draft capital more than they need one more year of Jackson, who could flee for greener pastures at the end of next season after rebuilding his value in Detroit.
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Jackson averaged 13.4 points this season, highest of his career, but did so inefficiently and with terrible 3-point shooting. Trading him now ensures you don’t miss out on the value he has built but also risks missing out on any future development since he is only 24-years-old.
It’s a tough call, so let’s look at the pros and cons of trading Josh Jackson this offseason.
Detroit Pistons: Josh Jackson creates competition
Pro: If the Pistons re-sign Hamidou Diallo in the offseason as is expected, there will be some competition for minutes off the bench.
Both Diallo and Jackson are similar players in that they are athletic, have good size, can defend but can’t shoot. Of the two, Diallo has shown more potential to develop a 3-point shot, so there may not be reason to keep them both.
Trading Jackson now opens the door for Diallo to possibly be the starting shooting guard depending on what happens in the draft. If not, he will take over the role as the number one guard off the bench.
Con: Dwane Casey has proven this year that competition is good. Diallo has not done enough to just be handed a role, so making him compete with Jackson for minutes should inspire both of them to get better.
Also, are we sure they can’t play together? The Pistons are trying to build their team around defense, so having two long, athletic defenders is not a bad thing. If one of them starts hitting shots then the Pistons will have two guys who fit the mold of what they are building.
Competition is good and trading Jackson now eliminates some of that competition.