Brandon Jennings was thriving with the Detroit Pistons for 41 games until an Achilles injury ended his season early. The team had to make a move and acquired Reggie Jackson in a trade to start the final 27 games of the season. As a result, Jackson developed into a potential star for the Pistons while showing great chemistry with his teammates. Jackson then notched a five-year, $80 million contract which was the biggest in franchise history. So what happens when Jennings returns?
In terms of contracts, Jackson is the starting point guard. However, Jennings held that position prior to his injury and certainly has the stats to make the case for a return at the spot. According to the Detroit Free Press, Stan Van Gundy wants a point guard tandem of Jackson and Jennings, but is that a waste of time and talent for the two players? According Spencer Dinwiddie who is the fourth man in the point guard rotation, he has no idea who will be getting the start for the team.
"When you have two starters and you know only one can start, something's got to give," Dinwiddie said, via MLive.com. "So I don't know what's going to happen. I'm sure Brandon's coming back to be the best player on the floor. Reggie, I'm sure he feels like he obviously is our franchise guy right now, until 'Dre signs his max deal. So we'll see. We'll see what happens. I can't tell you what's going to happen with Brandon and Reggie but everybody's waiting to see, I'm sure."
There is no escaping the Jennings trade talk as a result. The point guard's future came into question the moment Jackson inked the long-term contract and it will continue to be brought up once the season begins. According to ProBasketballTalk.com, Jennings could be showcased as the start of the season with a trade coming at the early deadline. There will be teams interested in his talents.
The New York Knicks are team eyeing upgrades. Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe believes the Knicks will be a landing spot for Ricky Rubio in a trade, but Jennings could also be an option. With doubt surrounding Langston Galloway and Jerian Grant, the Knicks will not hesitate to trade for a long-term commitment like Jennings if it gives an elite option for Carmelo Anthony.
The Los Angeles Lakers are operating with youth at the point guard position, something that may or may not work out in the long run. D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson are slated as the two favorites. Both players struggled in summer league play and need to show a lot of improvement. The Lakers have trade pieces they could give up in a deal for Jennings and might not hesitate if the situation presents itself.