NBA Trade Rumors: 5 destinations for Brandon Jennings
By Tom West
Brandon Jennings could benefit from a fresh start with his NBA career, and the Detroit Pistons’ need for him has decreased. It’s time for some teams to make the most of that and pursue a trade.
One player who could benefit from a fresh start in the NBA is Detroit Pistons point guard Brandon Jennings. He’s back from tearing his Achilles tendon, only to find himself behind a $80 million man in his place as a starter. Reggie Jackson has grown into that role, and with 19.6 points and 6.6 assists per game, he’s having the best year of his career.
It goes without saying that Jackson is keeping that spot, even when Jennings has become acclimated after returning from such a serious injury. Yet, considering the amount of talent Jennings still has and the greater difference he could make elsewhere, it could be better for the Pistons to part ways with him and bring in another player who can contribute more.
After all, they’ve been doing surprisingly well without him so far this season.
As we consider some potential destinations for Jennings, it needs to be iterated that there’s a chance he may stay put after all. Simply because if Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy decides to keep him around, despite the performance of Reggie Jackson, no one is getting anywhere with a potential trade. After everyone expected that Jennings would be sent off as soon as possible after recovering from tearing his Achilles tendon, Van Gundy has actually made it clear that he’s keen on what Jennings has to offer.
As Keith Langlois of Pistons.com has reported, Van Gundy thinks Jennings can help:
"“Our plan right now is that Brandon can help us make a playoff push. That’s our plan right now. If something changes in the next five weeks, then we’ll look at it. But right how he’s a very good player who can help us. And that’s the only way we’re looking at it.”"
If the Pistons and Van Gundy stay that keen on Jennings, maybe he’ll stay put. However, the line “if something changes in the next five weeks, then we’ll look at it” can’t be totally ignored. It’s hard to think that if a good offer comes in they won’t consider it now that he’s only their backup. Despite his talent, he’s not as important to them anymore now that they have an improved Jackson.
Furthermore, Jennings becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. If the Pistons don’t want to lose him for nothing if he tests free agency to look for a bigger role on another team, they may want to trade him before February 18 hits.
So, for his first possible destination, let’s consider a big market team in need of a new point guard.
Next: New York Knicks