The NBA trade rumors continue and one of the surprising names to be included in the trade deadline spree is Reggie Jackson of the Detroit Pistons.
The Pistons invested heavily in Jackson as their point guard of the future, signing him to a long-term contract. Jackson also seems to have found his niche as a starting point guard after years of being a back-up to Russell Westbrook in the Oklahoma City Thunder.
But with the Pistons out of the playoff picture, the honeymoon has ended and team president/head coach Stan Van Gundy wants to get down to business and Jackson may not be part of their future. Forbes contributor Matt Connolly tells why.
"Jackson has looked like a shell of his former self since coming back from a knee injury in December, lacking the explosiveness and court vision that netted him a five-year, $80 million extension with the Pistons two summers ago."
Despite all the criticism on how he is still not a pass-first point guard or a "team player" there is still genuine interest for Jackson as he is a guard who creates opportunities when he drives to the basket. Teams short on offense like the Orlando Magic would do well to take him as their skipper. The caveat for the deal is that the offer is too weak. Van Gundy is far from Vlade Divac, that's for sure.
"If the Magic are willing to upgrade their proposed package - D.J. Augustin and Jeff Green - by swapping out Green for, say, Mario Hezonja and/or adding a pick, Van Gundy would be wise to weigh the offer," Connolly suggested.
Now there could be rivals on the way and the Magic may have to step up their game. They lost out on the Serge Ibaka trade as they didn't have a choice, but they should move on and not hesitate on opportunities.
Fan Rag Sports has a scenario where the Dallas Mavericks could make a play for Jackson. They also need a starting point guard and Jackson who creates his own shot opportunities is someone who can help lead the post Dirk Nowitzki era.
Daniel O' Brien of FRS noted: "This trade would only work if Dallas sent Deron Williams' expiring contract along with someone like Devin Harris or J.J. Barea. Harris would be the more likely pairing with D-Will because his contract is up in 2018 (whereas Barea is signed through 2019)."
The Mavs want to make a playoff run and they may have to gamble. For the Pistons, they don't have much to gain except financial flexibility, but that's probably all they need because they want to make a run at free agents.