DETROIT – The Detroit Pistons have explored trades involving two of their biggest pieces, according to ESPN.
ESPN's Zach Lowe reports the team has quietly explored the trade market for point guard Reggie Jackson and center Andre Drummond:
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They needed talent; they would figure out the rest later. The figuring it out part has been harder than expected, especially with both Jackson and Drummond plateauing. Detroit has quietly explored the trade market for each of its franchise centerpieces, according to sources across the league, and come away disappointed with the potential return. (Van Gundy himself has said anyone is available for "the right price.")
Any Drummond deal at the deadline is an extreme long shot, but Jackson remains in play for Minnesota, Orlando, New Orleans, or some mystery destination. Even if Detroit keeps him, missing the playoffs would put dramatic changes on the table this summer.
The Pistons are currently 26-30, in 8th place in the Eastern Conference. The NBA Trade Deadline is Feb. 23 at 3 p.m. ET.
Lowe talked about some options for Detroit, if they do choose to make a move:
The Pistons could target a distressed young point guard like Elfrid Payton or Emmanuel Mudiay, and snag a rental wing to make up the salary gap. Mudiay is available, per several league sources, though it appears Denver has no interest in Jackson. Orlando remains an intriguing fit; Rob Hennigan, the Magic GM, was part of the Thunder front office that drafted Jackson, and the team is starting freaking C.J. Watson over Payton.