Knicks should do this deal. From the Pistons persoective it's really about how much they still value Jennings. Because it's obvious that Jennings is a thousand times better than Hardaway but his injury, lowering his value, might have helped us. Plus Detroit seems strict on keeping Reggie Jackson there and that would be too many minutes at PG.The Pistons have shown interest in trading for Knicks guard Tim Hardaway Jr., league sources told ESPN (June 22).
Detroit could look to deal guard Brandon Jennings, who averaged 15.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game last season before rupturing his Achilles tendon in January.
Jennings has one year and $8.3 million left on his contract with the Pistons.
Hardaway averaged 11.5 points per game last season, switching between a starter and reserve.
For the Knicks to acquire Jennings, the team would have to use its trade exception, ESPN reports.
Hardaway Jr.?s father, Tim Sr., is an assistant coach under Stan Van Gundy in Detroit. Such interest obviously makes sense.
It would appear as though the writing is on the wall for Hardaway Jr. to be traded this summer. He was continuously criticized for his poor defensive instincts this past season, and had to really earn his keep and prove his worth just to get consistent minutes. He was underutilized throughout much of the season. When Carmelo Anthony shut it down for the season, the youngster was relied upon more, but by then, it was too late.
Hardaway Jr. isn?t exactly a player who is taylor-made for the triangle, and it shows. That?s not to say he?s a bad player, but Phil Jackson and Co. are certainly looking for players who fit a certain mold. If the Michigan product doesn?t fit, it?d be more beneficial to trade him and actually get something of value back in return. The idea of trading for Jennings is an interesting suggestion, but such a move would eat into the team?s cap space.
Perhaps such a swap would come only after New York begins to explore certain free agency options. Trading for Jennings may be considered a backup plan of sorts, if and when they fail to land another desirable piece or two. As it stands, Jackson has already said the Knicks are set at the lead guard position. This could apply to the team?s already existent floor generals, but at the same time, Jennings could certainly serve in a capacity playing off the ball and/or being a two-guard in the triangle.
It?s obvious why the Pistons are interested in Hardaway Jr., but trading for Jennings would appear to be one of the only trade scenarios that would be worth the Knicks? while. Should the team target Greg Monroe, a sign & trade wouldn?t appear necessary.
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The fact that Hardaways dad is involves in the organization says a lot.
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