Detroit Pistons: Pros and cons of trading Reggie Jackson

Pro: Developing the youth

In the past draft, the Pistons didn’t have a first round pick, but they added two upside players in the second round with Brown and Khyri Thomas. Both of them have shown flashes of potential this season, but they have yet to receive an abundance of time to grow and show how they fit alongside Griffin. Griffin is under contract for the next few seasons, and, while he remains in his prime, the team will try to build around him while it can.

During the offseason, or in a trade, the Pistons will likely add another young guard or two to fill Jackson’s stead. With Jackson out of town, they would then be able to give their young guards more minutes. Brown doesn’t blend super well with Griffin because he doesn’t space the floor, similar to why Jackson doesn’t fit on this team, but he needs more minutes to develop. The remainder of the season could be all about the future and development of their youth.

Another player that this could help is the aforementioned second-year shooting guard Kennard. He’s been playing well as of late, but he continues to struggle with getting consistent minutes. The absence of Jackson would increase the number of available minutes in the backcourt. Kennard can put up points in a hurry, and he is a great fit alongside Griffin. Less Jackson is equal to more Kennard, and that’s good for all.