The Detroit Pistons are putting themselves in the mix of plenty of trade rumors. After grabbing one of the biggest free agents this offseason with Josh Smith, the team is also targeting a few bigger named players as well. Brandon Jennings future with the Milwaukee Bucks has been in limbo ever since the team attempted to sign Jeff Teague. He looked like a lock to return after Monta Ellis left and Teague remained with the Hawks, but now the Bucks are discussing sign-and-trade options with the Pistons.
Jennings has expressed interest in re-signing with Milwaukee, claiming to have unfinished business with the team. However, the two parties cannot come to an agreement on a contract extension, leaving the point guard looking elsewhere. NBA league sources have reported that Detroit is considering a sign-and-trade that would likely involve Brandon Knight.
Neither Jennings nor Knight are the most efficient scorers when it comes to point guards. Jennings is easily the better playmaker which makes many wonder why the Bucks would even consider something like this. But, as the teams meet in Vegas and Milwaukee appears desperate to part with Jennings, it is possible.
Jennings' options for next year are dwindling. He could accept the Bucks' $4.5 million offer and return for the season before becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer. He could wait and hope that another team puts an offer on him that the Bucks will decide not to match.
No team other than the Atlanta Hawks has shown real interest in Jennings. The other point guards in Jennings' draft class including Ty Lawson, Jrue Holiday and Stephen Curry have all agreed to four-year extensions, leaving Jennings with nowhere to go. A sign-and-trade appears to be his only option.
Detroit general manager Joe Dumars is doing his best to build the Pistons for the future. Jennings could be the young talent the team needs. Last season, Jennings averaged 17.5 points and 6.5 assists. Knight put up 13.3 points and 4.0 assists per game. It is hard to see Milwaukee accepting this deal, but they might be ready to clean their hands of Jennings altogether.
