The Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets are reportedly discussing a trade involving Brandon Jennings and Thaddeus Young.
According to Chris Sheridan as Sheridan Hoops, the Nets would be willing to sign Jennings long-term before he becomes a free agent at the end of the season, and are one of several teams interested in the point guard. The Pistons already have Reggie Jackson at the position, and the addition of Young would give them a stronger post presence.
Sheridan says the Nets are “desperate” to bring in established veterans due to the fact that they have few future draft picks due to a series of ill-fated trades. He also says the Nets could throw in Shane Larkin or Jarrett Jack to sweeten the deal for Detroit and fill the team’s new need for a backup point guard.
This looks like one of those deals that would make some sense for both parties, though it isn’t without its flaws. It’s not quite clear how Young would fit into a Stan Van Gundy system – he averages 15 points and 9 rebounds per game and plays well in the post, but he lacks the stretch four skills that Van Gundy likes in his power forwards. Jennings, combined with Brook Lopez, at least provides the Nets with a decent foundation to build something with and a potential hook to lure in some established free agents. Jennings would absolutely be a gamble – he’s a flawed player who’s coming off a torn Achilles, but at the same time, he’s still only 26. It’s no secret that the Pistons will move him if they find a deal they like, as he’s an expiring contract who is surplus to their needs.
