NBA Rumors: 3 Players being linked with an exit from the Detroit Pistons

The 2018/19 NBA season was a strange one for the Detroit Pistons. At times, the team looked as though they could make a deep run in the Eastern Conference playoffs, although the team also looked hapless for large stretches -- nearly missing out on the postseason.

The Pistons eventually won their final two games of the season to secure the last playoff spot, yet were crushed 4-0 by the Milwaukee Bucks. There is no doubt about the talent levels on the Detroit roster, although changes are needed this summer, and here are three individuals that are being linked with an exit.

#3 Reggie Jackson

Reggie Jackson started all 82 games of the 18/19 NBA season, averaging 15.4 points, 4.2 assists, 2.6 rebounds per game. He also shot a career-high 37% from beyond the arc, as he was arguably the Pistons' second-best performer behind Blake Griffin.

However, due to the Pistons' desire to make additions this summer, Bleacher Report's Dan Favale is suggesting that Jackson could be among those sacrificed:

Deepening the wing rotation is, by far, the Pistons' more pressing concern. But Jackson's expiring contract is now among their best trade assets, and they don't have the cap sheet to be choosy about where they make their upgrades.

The Pistons will have to scour the trade market for a genuine needle-mover, and Jackson is borderline expendable. The Pistons need to elevate their ceiling around Griffin in whatever way they can, and Jackson's expiring salary is too convenient. He's an obligatory inclusion if they decide to chase Mike Conley, Jrue Holiday or any other second-tier star who might be up for grabs.

Jackson is set to earn $18 million for the 19/20 season, an amount that would allow the Pistons to bring in two wings.

#2 Blake Griffin

The Pistons shocked the NBA world when they completed a blockbuster trade for Blake Griffin back in 2018, and the All-Star's arrival signaled that they were going 'all-in' on the current roster.

However, despite a stellar individual season from Griffin, the Pistons suffered a 4-0 first-round series defeat to the Bucks.

Due to Detroit's failure to compete, Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report has suggested that Griffin could be offloaded to the Heat:

If Miami Heat president Pat Riley sniffs a hint of desperation from the Motor City, he’ll pounce to land one of his coveted white whales. Naturally, he’ll also try to do so at a discount. As good as Griffin looked this season, he’ll find himself on more than a few MVP ballots - he’s still wildly expensive and has a frightening injury history.

If the Pistons opt for a rebuild this summer, a Griffin trade is likely, however, if management keep faith in the current roster, the All-Star will stick around for at least one more season.

#1 Andre Drummond

Detroit Pistons v Milwaukee Bucks - Game One

There is no doubting what Andre Drummond brings to the Pistons. The 25-year-old has led the NBA in rebounding in three of the past four seasons, and during the 18/19 season, Drummond averaged a career-high 17.3 points per game.

Yet, Drummond also looks like a relic in the modern NBA, and the Pistons owe him $55 million over the next two years. The center has been recently dogged by constant trade rumors, and he was backed to leave the team ahead of the February trade deadline.

Drummond remained but was booed at home during the playoffs, as he failed to make any sort of positive impact.

Following the Pistons' early playoff exit, rumors of a Drummond trade have once again gained momentum, and after years of speculation, it appears that the franchise may finally bow to fan pressure and trade their big.