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NBA Trade Rumors: 5 destinations for Brandon Jennings

By Tom West

Jan 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Brandon Jennings (7) gets defended by Orlando Magic guard Shabazz Napier (13) during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 115-89. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Brandon Jennings (7) gets defended by Orlando Magic guard Shabazz Napier (13) during the third quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 115-89. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 10, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) sits on the court after a play during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) sits on the court after a play during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Houston Rockets

The Ty Lawson experiment has failed entirely and the Rockets, who are still just 21-20 and 7th in the West, need to look elsewhere for backcourt help. Unsurprisingly, Mitch Lawrence of Sporting News has said that the two most likely destinations for Jennings are Phoenix, and, of course, Houston:

"Underachieving Houston and dead-in-the-water Phoenix are seen as prime landing spots for Detroit’s Brandon Jennings, if either team wants to take the chance on dealing for a player who will be an unrestricted free agent in July."

We’ll get to the hopeless Suns soon, but the Rockets are definitely a possible landing spot for Jennings who’s looking to jump-start his career again.

An obvious factor that adds to this trade for Houston is that Jennings has only just returned from injury, meaning a starting role isn’t necessarily the best idea for him. This makes the Rockets a better fit straight away, as if they can work out their dilemma with Lawson and ship him elsewhere, they need a replacement to come off the bench and share minutes with Patrick Beverley. Which, if they make the most of Jennings’ decreased trade value due to his injury and Reggie Jackson’s career-year, could help them get their hands on him.

Stylistically, there are matters that can’t be ignored. James Harden dominates the ball for the Rockets and anyone who’s seen them play knows it. From his step-back jumpers to his passing (6.7 assists per game) he is the life of their offense. And as he’s 2nd in the NBA in minutes per game with 37.9, there isn’t always lot of time for anyone else to shine.

Seeing as Jennings has often been a creative ball handler and high volume scorer, he may need to spend more minutes with the second unit than he does with Harden at first. The two on the court together could be an issue just as Lawson never fit in, but if Jennings acknowledges that Harden is running the show instead, maybe he can fit in.

The Rockets are going to need a new backup guard, and in comparison to the talent that’s out there, Jennings is easily one of the best options they can go after.

Next: Phoenix Suns

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