Josh Jackson may be the most expendable player in the Pistons‘ training camp battle for roster spots, writes James L. Edwards III of The Athletic. When Hamidou Diallo re-signed last month, it gave Detroit 16 guaranteed contracts. Sources tell Edwards it took longer than expected to reach a new deal with Diallo, but he was always in the team’s plans.
Jackson is set to make $5MM in the final year of a deal he signed last offseason. The former No. 4 overall pick was productive in his first season with the Pistons, averaging 13.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 62 games, but Edwards notes that he’s just an average defender and an unreliable three-point shooter (30% last season). There may also not be enough minutes for Jackson, Diallo and Frank Jackson, who all play similar roles.
Edwards names Jahlil Okafor, Rodney McGruder and Sekou Doumbouya as other candidates to be traded or waived to reach the regular season roster limit of 15. Okafor will make $2.13MM in the final year of his contract, while McGruder has a $1.67MM expiring deal and isn’t expected to play much. Doumbouya is still on his rookie contract, but Edwards points out that he remains a raw prospect and is left over from the previous front office.
There’s more from the Central Division:
- The Pistons have officially announced the return of George David as assistant general manager. He held the same position from 2012-14 before leaving for the Wasserman Media Group. “I’m excited to return to the Detroit Pistons and help Tom Gores, Arn Tellem and Troy Weaver in the restoring effort of the franchise,” David said. “Detroit has always been home for me and I know how passionate the city and region is about their sports teams. Troy’s vision for building the roster aligns with the core values of Detroit Basketball and I look forward to playing a role in the continued rise of the organization.”
- Even though the Bulls stocked up on guards this summer, there should be playing time available for Coby White once he returns from surgery on his left shoulder, states Jamal Collier of The Chicago Tribune. Collier sees White as a back-up to Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, and he may be on the court with Alex Caruso in three-guard lineups.
- The Cavaliers will pay Lauri Markkanen $15,690,909 for the upcoming season with slight raises throughout his new four-year deal, tweets Keith Smith of Spotrac. Markkanen will make $16,475,454 in 2022/23, $17,259,999 in 2023/24 and $18,044,544 in 2024/25, giving the contract a total value of more than $67MM, although only $6MM of the final season is guaranteed.
Trade Josh Jackson and Okafor for D. Jordan. Brooklyn can cut Okafor and use Jackson. Jordan will get minutes off Detroits bench.
Funny you say that because I was honking if the Nets stretch-and-waive or buyout Jordan then Okafor is a guy I’d like them to pick up. Instant offense off the bench and I like the way he approaches things.
Trading for Jordan would be a huge mistake as he is owed $9.8M next year.
I was right.
I get the whole adding a couple Vets to young teams thing. But y did they resign Cory Joseph and McGruder?! Just cut them 2 guys and keep the younger ones. Giving up on Doumbouya now feels fast to me. He’s 20 and has only played ball for like 5 years. Of course he’s not gunna look great in the NBA right away
CoJo and McGruder are good vets to have on a young roster. They’re going to show the youngins how to do things, they’re not going to be complaining about lack of playing time, they’re going to have the right perspective and the right attitude. Then, when they do get to (have to) play, they’re going to play well.
(The assumption here is that CoJo and McGruder are lockerroom leaders.)
Don’t forget that Grant and Olynyk are also vets on this team. I don’t think that Detroit is lacking in veteran leadership. Moving Jackson and or Okafor are the best case scenario. If they can move both and get a player or pick that helps the roster as a whole then it’s worth it. Otherwise try to get a 2nd rounded and be done with it
2 “older” vets is not enough probably… You have ask how may young players can be expected to be something. It’s not random; some are better prospects. If he’s the 13th, probably not, and it is more important to keep things moving in the right direction.