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NBA Trade Rumors: Detroit Pistons shopping Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson

By Brad Washington

Mar 23, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) talks to guard Reggie Jackson (1) during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 118-102. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) talks to guard Reggie Jackson (1) during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 118-102. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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ESPN’s Zach Lowe reports that the Detroit Pistons have quietly been shopping Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson.

When the Detroit Pistons traded for Reggie Jackson in 2015, they expected Jackson to become a cornerstone for the franchise. Jackson, who was previously a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, showed flashes of brilliance as Russell Westbrook’s backup.

On paper, Jackson has backed up the Pistons assertions. In his first two seasons, Jackson averaged 17.6 and 18.8 points per game and 9.2 and 6.2 assists per game. It seemed they’d found the running mate they wanted for their franchise player, Andre Drummond.

But the duo hasn’t continued its progression this season. Jackson’s production has declined, from 18.8 PPG last season to only 15 points per this year, while Drummond’s PPG numbers are down from 16.2 to 14.7. The Pistons made the playoffs last season with a 44-38 record, but currently sit at 26-30 and in the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference.

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The decline has led the Pistons to consider trading Jackson and Drummond to enhance their roster, per ESPN’s Zach Lowe:

"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."

While some may argue the two need more time to gel, the Pistons are in a race they currently aren’t winning. The East is trying to catch up to the Cleveland Cavaliers, while the Cavs are trying to catch the Golden State Warriors. The Pistons are doing a decent job by Eastern Conference standards, but it appears that might not be good enough for their front office.

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