A former Michigan State big man might be headed back to the state of Michigan.
Jaren Jackson Jr. has been one of the best young bigs in the NBA for about 6-7 years now, and he’s drawing some serious trade interest now that the Memphis Grizzlies are one of the league’s bottom-dwellers this season. There has been talk about the Grizzlies dealing Ja Morant, which could open the door for a fire sale.
The Grizzlies are 10th in the Western Conference, so they’re not exactly out of contention for a playoff spot, especially with 42 games left, but the Morant trade rumors have been heating up — especially since he just purchased a multi-million dollar home in Miami.
If the Grizzlies do sell both of their stars before the trade deadline, there may be some interest parties that could affect Michigan State fans’ favorite NBA teams. One potential landing spot for Jackson Jr. directly affects a good chunk of the Spartan fanbase.
According to a report from HoopsHype, the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics have inquired about the Memphis Grizzlies’ star big man who was drafted nearly a decade ago.
Jaren Jackson Jr. could get the Pistons to that next level
The Detroit Pistons are the best team in the Eastern Conference, but I’ve been saying it since they were eliminated from the playoffs last season: they’re one piece away from being legitimate NBA title contenders.
Right now, they look like they could make some noise in the playoffs and even push for a spot in the conference finals, but I can’t see them beating a team like the Thunder in a seven-game series with the current roster. Add a superstar big man like Jackson Jr. and that changes.
As long as the Pistons don’t trade away some of their core pieces, I would kill to see a frontcourt with Jalen Duren and Jackson Jr. — that might be the best in the league.
Right now these are just rumors, so we have to take it with a grain of salt, but it does sound like the Pistons are at least interested in adding the former Spartan hooper.
Tom Izzo wouldn’t have to go very far to catch his games.