The Detroit Pistons have been active this offseason and they could look at a Brandon Jennings trade after signing Reggie Jackson to a free agent deal, while Andre Drummond and the team could talk about a contract extension this summer and this comes as Stanley Johnson has been impressive while playing in the Summer League for Stan Van Gundy.
The Pistons lost Greg Monroe this offseason, but Van Gundy has been active despite that move, as he has added Marcus Morris, Reggie Bullock and Danny Granger in a trade and signed Reggie Jackson back. After losing Monroe, Jackson was the main priority and it was likely that he would be staying, as he was a restricted free agent this summer. According to the Detroit News, Van Gundy signed Jackson to a five year deal worth around $80 million and the contract should become official this week.
Jackson was acquired last season in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder and made him important to the future for the Pistons. Monroe's loss was expected for the Pistons, but losing Jackson would have been devastating and now the team has some optimism moving forward with Jackson back. Brandon Jennings could be a target to get traded after the Jackson deal, as he will be taking over as the starting point guard this season.
Andre Drummond is another priority for the Pistons, as he is the player the team wanted to build around over Monroe. Drummond is making $3,272,091 this season before getting a qualifying offer next year and according to the Detroit News, the Pistons and Drummond "will begin talks" about a "long term contract extension" over the next couple weeks.
Check here for more on the Reggie Jackson deal, trade interest in Brandon Jennings, the talk about Andre Drummond and a new contract extension and for more on Stanley Johnson and his play so far in the NBA Summer League.
Drummond has said in the past that he wants to stay in Detroit and he could get a contract in the range of what Tristan Thompson ends up getting from the Cleveland Cavaliers as a restricted free agent. Drummond had his best season as a pro while averaging 13.8 points and grabbing 13.5 rebounds per game in 82 games played. With Monroe gone keeping Drummond is even more of a priority for Detroit.
Jennings is coming back from an injury and he previously was mentioned in trade rumors regarding Tim Hardaway Jr. before he was moved to the Hawks. The Knicks have been connected to Jennings in the past, but with Jerian Grant and Jose Calderon on the roster, they may not push for a deal. Jennings is on an expiring deal and he could be an attractive trade chip this season at the deadline if he is not moved during the summer.
Some around the NBA did not like the pick for the Pistons of Stanley Johnson at eighth overall, but so far in the summer league he has been impressive. According to the Detroit Free Press, Johnson opened his first game coming in off the bench, scoring 13 points and adding four rebounds and in his second game he had 24 points and nine rebounds in a game against the Clippers. Johnson has shown a nice shooting touch and he should be able to contribute this season if he continues to develop in the right direction.
