The Detroit Pistons have exceeded all expectations in the first half of the season. Firmly establishing themselves as the best team in the Eastern Conference, Pistons fans are now dreaming of a deep postseason run. While there is a growing sense that the Pistons will keep this core past the February 5 trade deadline to see how far they can go, standing pat has its own risks.
Detroit has a real shot at making the NBA Finals, and upgrading the roster could turn them into a true title contender. What they need is a true second star next to Cade Cunningham: someone who can space the floor for him, while creating enough offense by himself and not hurting the team's elite defense. The ideal player would be a power forward who can take over as the starter from Tobias Harris for years to come.
Jaren Jackson Jr. checks all these boxes. The only problem was the fact that there had been no indication that the Memphis Grizzlies were willing to part ways with the former Defensive Player of the Year. Until now.
NBA insider Kelly Iko reported on Monday that once the Grizzlies inevitably move on from Ja Morant, a trade involving Jackson will be "the next domino to fall."
"In speaking with rival executives, there’s a growing thought that Jackson — while a stark contrast to Morant and despite Memphis’ insistence on him being a key part of its future — could be the next domino to fall at some point assuming a Morant trade is realized."Kelly Iko, Yahoo! Sports
As Iko points out, this is in direct contrast to previous reporting about the Jackson situation in Memphis. After moving on from Desmond Bane and putting Morant on the trade block, the Grizzlies were expected to build around JJJ going forward. Whether there has been an organizational shift in recent weeks is unclear, but Jackson may be more available than initially thought.
If Jackson hits the trade market, the Pistons will emerge as a natural fit. Few teams can give the Grizzlies a better package than the Pistons, who have all their own draft picks and a slew of intriguing young assets. A trade centered around Tobias Harris to match salaries that includes some draft capital and a young player should get the deal done.
Jackson can shoot and score off the dribble. He can play both power forward and center, making a fascinating three-headed monster with Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren. His biggest weakness, rebounding, will be seriously mitigated by playing next to Duren or Stewart.
Finding a power forward who can space the floor and guard multiple positions in their prime is very difficult. So, if the Pistons have the opportunity to trade for one, it behooves them to take advantage of it.