The Detroit Pistons have made a number of offseason moves that could have some effect on the future of Josh Jackson in Detroit.
The Pistons drafted future superstar Cade Cunningham, which should help everyone including Jackson.
They also signed free agent Kelly Olynyk, who will add some of the outside shooting the Pistons needed and could work well with Josh Jackson off the Pistons’ bench depending on how they structure their starting lineup.
On paper both of these moves should help Jackson, as he won’t be relied upon so heavily for bench scoring and should get more open looks with Cunningham setting him up and Olynyk creating more space.
But that doesn’t mean Jackson’s future in Detroit is secured.
Detroit Pistons: Josh Jackson’s future is closely tied to Hamidou Diallo
As of the writing of this, the Pistons still haven’t re-signed Hamidou Diallo, which is a move that might affect Josh Jackson’s future with the team.
I really like what Jackson brought to the table for the Pistons, as he is a wing with good size who can defend, has a little dawg in him and gave Detroit an edge off the bench.
But he didn’t shoot the ball well, turned it over too many times and was incredibly inefficient. Diallo is a similar player, a guy who can defend and run the floor but isn’t great in the half court.
If the Pistons commit to Diallo, then Jackson could still be traded this offseason, as he is entering the final year of his contract and might be able to net an asset in a trade.
Keep an eye on Diallo, as once he is signed (if he is) there could be more moves coming. If the Pistons choose to walk away from Diallo, then I could see them trying to re-sign Jackson on a low-cost deal, as he was a good value contract who produced last season.
But he will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season, so the Pistons would have competition and would risk losing him for nothing.