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From the moment the Detroit Pistons re-signed Reggie Jackson over the offseason, it was clear PG Brandon Jennings wouldn’t be with the club on a long-term basis. Had he not suffered a torn Achilles early last year, he likely would have been gone already. Now that Jennings is healthy, rumors are spreading like wildfire with the NBA trade deadline rapidly approaching.
According to Chris Sheridan, Jennings, who is a free agent this summer, could be headed to the Brooklyn Nets in a deal that would net the Pistons power forward Thaddeus Young.
Sources: Trade of Brandon Jennings for Thaddeus Young being discussed. Could include other players. #Nets #Bucks https://t.co/zs5rvd1WLS
— Chris Sheridan (@sheridanhoops) February 4, 2016
After losing Jarrett Jack (who was having an excellent season for Brooklyn) to a knee injury, the Nets are starting Donald Sloan at the point, with Shane Larkin coming off the bench and receiving a fair amount of playing time as well. These two have been lackluster at best and aren’t in the franchise’s long-term plans.
Had Jack stayed healthy, chances are the Nets would have picked up his option for 2016-17, but considering only $500,000 of his $6.3 million slated salary is guaranteed, he’s unlikely to be retained. The Nets have until Jun. 30 to let him go before the deal guarantees.
Brooklyn has no choice but to seek out trades for veteran players, as a number of terrible decisions have rendered the franchise virtually pick-less over the next few seasons. Thus, rebuilding through the draft isn’t an option in the immediate future.
As for the Pistons, they have no interest in paying big money to a backup point guard, as they are set with the aforementioned Jackson running the show. Rather than losing him to free agency, getting something in return for Jennings is paramount.
Young’s been solid for the Nets this season. In 32 minutes per game, Young’s averaging 15.0 points and 9.2 rebounds, essentially double-doubling on a nightly basis. Detroit’s current starting power forward, Ersan Ilyasova, has been somewhat of a disappointment to this point, averaging 11.4 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Ilyasova is more of a stretch-four despite being 6-foot-10 and doesn’t give center Andre Drummond much help in the paint on defense.
Sheridan speculates the trade could involve a number of players.
“The Nets may need to give the Pistons an additional player, the source said, adding that the back end of the trade would be where the Nets could outbid another team. Detroit has Steve Blake to plug in behind Jackson in the playoffs, but Blake is on an expiring contract. Shane Larkin, who has a $1.5 million player option for next season, could be added to the trade.
Or Brooklyn could throw in Jack, who would serve as Jackson’s backup next season if the Pistons picked up his $6.3 million team option. Detroit would have to add additional salary to make such a deal work, but they have two expendable big contracts in Jodie Meeks and Reggie Bullock.”
There are a number of teams interested in Jennings, (New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, etc.), but the Nets appear to be the favorite as we speak, as the deal projects to be a win-win for both organizations.
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