Report: Pistons exploring trade market for Drummond, Jackson

The Detroit Pistons aren't exactly setting the Eastern Conference on fire with their 26-30 record, reportedly leading the team to dangle its two franchise players as trade bait in hopes of improving the roster.

Management has explored trade scenarios for both Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson, league sources told ESPN's Zach Lowe.

The potential returns apparently haven't been promising, however, reducing the chances that either player will be shipped out of the Motor City ahead of the Feb. 23 deadline.

While Drummond is unlikely to be sent packing, the Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic, and New Orleans Pelicans remain possible destinations for Jackson, Lowe reports.

The Pistons are only a game off their pace from this time during the 2015-16 regular season, when they sat 27-29. They finished that campaign with the eighth seed at 44-38, only to be swept by the eventual NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers in a competitive opening-round matchup.

After being selected for his first All-Star appearance last year, Drummond's stock has clearly dipped across the Association, with his numbers dropping ever so slightly to 14.7 points on 52.8 percent shooting, 13.9 rebounds (second in NBA), 1.7 steals, and 1.2 rejections. The Pistons fare better offensively (1.6 more points per 100 possessions) when he's not on the floor. He remains the anchor of the defense, though, with the team allowing 7.9 more points per 100 possessions when he sits.

As for Jackson, Detroit is better served on both ends with backup Ish Smith running the show, which doesn't exactly help the Boston College product's value. Jackson has the poorest defensive rating of any Pistons player (110.4), the second-worst assist ratio despite being the starting point guard (16), and a net rating well below par at minus-7.8.