Detroit Pistons: 3 reasons to trade Reggie Jackson

Trading their starting point guard and third-leading scorer, Reggie Jackson, could be the best decision for the Detroit Pistons moving forward.

Detroit Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson is not the only good NBA player whose team might be looking to unload him prior to the league’s Feb. 7 trade deadline.

In theory, Jackson is crucial to the Pistons’ success. Averaging 14.6 points and 4.2 assists per game going into Wednesday’s game against the Orlando Magic, he is third on the team in scoring and second in assists. He’s also third in steals and 3-pointers made, and his turnover percentage of 12.2 percent is better than or on par with some of the league’s standout point guards.

Jackson’s highlights this season include a 22-point, six-assist effort in a win over the Houston Rockets, 24 points and six dimes in a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, and 23 points in a win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

The 28-year-old is talented, productive and relatively young, but a change of scenery may be the best thing for him and for the Pistons.

Detroit is slumping (18-24) and needs to do something if the goal remains making the playoffs in 2019. Trading Jackson would also make sense for the Pistons’ long-term goals. He is their most attractive trade piece in terms of what he can bring to the team that acquires him — assuming the Pistons are committed to keeping All-Star center Andre Drummond and All-Star forward Blake Griffin and building around those two as the franchise’s foundation.

Here are three reasons why trading Jackson is the right move to make.