The Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets could be working on a Joe Johnson trade for Brandon Jennings heading into the trading deadline, as ESPN is reporting that the Pistons have reached out about a deal and this comes as Greg Monroe is a potential target at the deadline for teams, but he likely will not be moved.
The Nets have been shopping Johnson along with Deron Williams and Brook Lopez, but they have not been able to find a deal for a package they like. According to ESPN New York, the Pistons have reached out to the Nets about a deal for Johnson and the trade would be built around Brandon Jennings from the Pistons' side of things. Jennings is currently out for the season after suffering a knee injury and he would be in a package along with some expiring contracts.
The Pistons have asked about the availability of Johnson, who has also been a target for the Charlotte Hornets this season. Sources told ESPN that no deal is close to happening and that the Nets have not yet decided if they will stand pat and not deal anyone, including Johnson, Lopez or Williams. Johnson has $23 million on his deal this season and the Pistons would be on the hook for $24 million next year, which is a lot for a player Johnson's age.
Jennings is just 25 years old, but he is out for the season after dealing with an Achilles injury and his return would not happen until next season. Jennings was injured in January and had been playing well, averaging 15 points and six assists for the Pistons. Jennings has an $8 million deal for this season and his contract will be expiring after next year and he has $8 million on that as well. Stan Van Gundy has spoken highly of Johnson and his skills and that is one reason why the Pistons could go after him, as they are trying to build a contending team for the future.
The Pistons also could be looking ahead to the summer, as they have Greg Monroe becoming a free agent and they also may look at targeting Draymond Green from the Warriors. According to Yahoo Sports, Green is a restricted free agent and he has "significant interest" in singing and offer sheet with the Pistons, as he is from Detroit. Green is just 24 years old and the Pistons could outbid the Warriors with a big offer, as they still have a number of players to take care of.
The Nets have a massive payroll and they have been looking at ways to get that down without completely blowing up their roster like the Knicks. The Nets and the Pistons are battling for spots near the bottom of the east playoffs and in this conference, there is still a chance they can make it. While both teams are not going to contend for a championship, making the playoffs could be an important mark and that is why they could make this move. The Pistons have just 21 wins at number 11 in the conference, while the Nets have 21 wins in ninth place.
