Knight's deal could mean big bucks for Pistons' Jackson

If Brandon Knight gets paid like a report suggests he will, point guards all around the league will go cha-ching.

And that includes Detroit Pistons restricted free agent Reggie Jackson.

The Racine (Wis.) Journal Times reported that Knight — the restricted free agent and former Piston — will re-sign with the Phoenix Suns for five years and $75 million.

If true, Jackson could make a case to get all that the collective bargaining agreement will allow: a five-year deal starting at roughly $17 million in the first year.

That will make Pistons fans blanch.

They like Jackson based on his 20-point, 10-assist, five-rebound stretch over the last 15 games of the regular season. After his acquisition from the Oklahoma City Thunder, he quickly developed a pick-and-roll chemistry with Pistons center Andre Drummond, leading to consistent lob dunks. He struggled initially but played well down the stretch, despite only a handful of practices and without the benefit of an off-season with the Pistons.

But fans don't know whether they like him that much. Such a contract would be a significant commitment — even with the NBA's rising salary cap. Knight never has been a huge assist guy and never has had a 15-game stretch like Jackson, when he was a triple-double threat.

But Knight's deal will help set Jackson's market.

Before being dealt to the Suns at the trade deadline, Knight reportedly turned down a deal worth $9 million per season with the Milwaukee Bucks.

A person with firsthand knowledge of the situation told the Free Press that that Jackson turned down a deal with his previous team, the Thunder, that would have paid him a little more than $12 million per season to back up superstar Russell Westbrook. Jackson balked because he didn't want to be in Oklahoma City and wanted an opportunity to start.

The person said that if the Pistons want a five-year commitment from Jackson, they probably will have to give him the full freight.

If the Pistons balk, the person said Jackson is willing to bet on himself and take a deal with fewer years and less money, with an option for the final season. That would allow Jackson to further establish himself and ask for a max deal later, when it'll be worth more money because of the rising cap.

This will not go the Greg Monroe route. Jackson, 25, wants to be with the Pistons. He developed an instant bond with team owner Tom Gores and loves playing for coach Stan Van Gundy.

He sees the young core of Drummond, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and rookie Stanley Johnson and believes that he can win a championship with the Pistons. Jackson is expected to join the summer league team this week in Orlando to lend his support.

A deal will get done — it's just a matter of what it will look like.

Summer league prep starts: Two-a-days start Tuesday for the Pistons' summer-league edition. Rookies Stanley Johnson and Darrun Hilliard will be the primary attractions, along with Spencer Dinwiddie and Quincy Miller. Play begins Saturday against the Orlando Magic "White" team.

Contact Vince Ellis at vellis@freepress.com . Follow him on Twitter @vincent_ellis56 .