NBA Trade Rumors: Pistons, Nets Talking Joe Johnson, Brandon Jennings Swap
NBA Trade Rumors: The Brooklyn Nets and Detroit Pistons have reportedly been discussing a potential Joe Johnson for Brandon Jennings swap
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The Brooklyn Nets have been trying — to what extent, no one really knows — to trade one of their three big contract players (Deron Williams, Brook Lopez, Joe Johnson) for the last few months. While they have been close on numerous occasions to dealing Lopez, it seems like they may finally have the chance to unload one.
According to ESPN New York’s Ohm Youngmisuk, the Detroit Pistons have reached out to the Nets with a package of Brandon Jennings and expiring contracts in exchange for Joe Johnson.
Hearing Detroit has reached out to Nets to inquire about Joe Johnson according to league sources.
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) February 17, 2015
Detroit's interest in Joe Johnson included reaching out to Nets about a package of Brandon Jennings + expiring contracts for Joe per sources
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) February 17, 2015
In December, it was reported that the Nets were ‘very active’ in exploring trades for one, if not all, of their Big three. Two months later, they still haven’t been successful.
"[via Nets ‘very active’ exploring trades for Big 3 — New York Post]You have high NBA expectations and the results are — shall we say — not high, you study all avenues of change.And the Nets are doing exactly that, exploring all trade options, including those involving their three best players, Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez, multiple league sources confirmed."
Even though, on the surface, this trade offered by the Pistons doesn’t make much sense for the Nets, other than the obvious reason of getting rid of Johnson’s contract, if the Nets play it right it could end up paying in dividends for the team sooner rather than later.
Assuming that the Nets aren’t working other phones at the moment, Brooklyn could take Jennings, despite their crowded point guard depth. He is out for the season (achilles tendon) and can’t play until next season, that actually helps. In essence, the Nets could acquire him and then try to trade both Deron Williams and Jarrett Jack (if they wish) in the summer (Jack seems the most tradeable of the two).
When Jennings returns, they’ll be no more crowded backcourt.
It may not be easy, but it’s definitely an option — and an idea. And right now, I’m not sure if that’s something the Nets currently have.
With that said, if the Nets don’t believe they can trade Williams in the summer, they would take a lot of heat if they were to accept such trade.
At the end of the day, the Nets are going to have options up until the NBA trade deadline. At this point, it’s on them whether or not they’re actually serious about making a deal.