The Detroit Pistons are off to a 6-2 start and have as good a chance at contending as any in the wide-open Eastern Conference. While they are a young, up-and-coming team, their contention window is now, and the front office shouldn’t squander the team’s chances. This means aggressively pursuing potential upgrades before the February trade deadline.
At the same time, they need to make sure that the upgrades that they are targeting fit their timeline, system, and long-term salary structure. Fortunately for them, there might be the perfect trade target hitting the block soon.
The Memphis Grizzlies are on the brink of implosion. Ja Morant has voiced his frustration with Tuomas Iisalo and the coaching staff. They have significant injuries up and down the roster and are 3-6 on the season. They look like a long shot to compete for a playoff spot in the stacked Western Conference. Plus, they already traded Desmond Bane in the offseason, opening the way for more selling to end this era.
Jaren Jackson Jr. Is the Perfect Pistons Trade Target
That is why Jaren Jackson Jr. could be available after he is eligible to be traded on January 15. If the Grizzlies decide to break the team up further, Jackson will bring the most back in a trade. The Pistons should be extremely interested in that scenario.
Not only is Jackson a perennial All-Defensive Team candidate, but he also continues to improve on the offensive end. He can shoot the ball, which would be a huge boost for the Pistons’ offense. He can attack off the dribble and be a secondary scorer next to Cade Cunningham. He is not very good at creating shots for others, but the Pistons have Cunningham for that.
Even though Jackson has played center at times in his career, his ideal position is at power forward, where the Pistons must find a long-term solution as Tobias Harris ages out. Jackson’s shortcomings are rebounding and foul trouble, which are easily masked by playing next to big men like Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart in Detroit. A JJJ-Jalen Duren pairing in the frontcourt would especially be powerful as it provides a fascinating upside on both ends of the floor.
A trade for Jackson would likely require the Pistons to give up two of Tobias Harris, Duncan Robinson, and Caris LeVert to match salaries, plus significant draft capital. The Pistons can give up four first-round picks (2026, 2028, 2030, and 2032) plus pick swaps in the years between. It's unclear whether giving up everything in the asset cabinet in an unprotected manner will be necessary to acquire Jackson, but it’s hard to find a better match for the Pistons as they try to take the next step in their development.