It is clear that the Detroit Pistons and the Orlando Magic front offices are both frustrated with the current play of their roster and direction of their franchise moving forward (or need to save their job if you’re Rob Hennigan) and rumors are that both have been in the trade market.
The Magic have had no discernible or logical direction for the past year since trading Tobias Harris to this very Pistons team for basically nothing. The Pistons have taken a step back and have struggled mightily on both ends, especially defense, since Reggie Jackson returned in December from knee soreness.
A rumor from ESPN’s Marc Stein on Friday reported that the Pistons and Magic are talking trade yet again and have discussed a deal that would send Jackson to the Magic for D.J. Augustin and Jeff Green.
The Pistons and Magic have discussed a trade that would send Reggie Jackson to Orlando for D.J. Augustin and Jeff Green, league sources say.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 17, 2017
Upon first consideration this trade is a bad move for both teams. The Magic are clearly pressing and trying with all their might to acquire any sort of name player or psuedo star (Reggie Jackson is a ginormous stretch). GM Rob Henningan is worried about being employed next week and not focusing on what acquiring Jackson and the remaining three years and $51 million would mean for the franchise moving forward.
The Pistons meanwhile, have realized that they were better with Ish Smith at point guard and want to dump Jackson’s contract for whatever they can get that will not lock them into any long-term salary. Getting essentially zero value for Jackson is not the most ideal of scenarios either though as he is still one of the four best assets they possess.
The Magic would be foolish not to just ride out this season without trying to get a middle of the road quick fix. They should only concern themselves with using Jeff Green’s expiring $15 million as a trade piece for any sort of deal involving a draft pick or any youngish unproven player on a acceptable contract like Terrance Ross. That way they can tank their way into a top five pick and have the chance to draft an elite point guard of the future like Lonzo Ball, Markelle Fultz or most likely Dennis Smith with where they will be drafting.
The Pistons should be open to dealing Reggie Jackson if they can recoup any value, but if not they are better served letting him continue to work his way back into shape and effectiveness to improve his value for a potential trade in the off-season.
