4 Trades for Detroit's Brandon Jennings

If it weren't for an unfortunate ruptured left Achilles tendon in late January of 2015, Brandon Jennings could've been a true underdog story as he was well on his way to leading his Pistons to a surprising playoff berth. However, one fateful day in late January, Jennings' Achilles ruptured and he was ruled out for the season and so were Detroit's playoff chances. In his absence, the Pistons acquired backup Oklahoma City point guard Reggie Jackson, who's play has exceeded expectations and landed him the permanent spot as Detroit's starting floor general. Now returning for injury, Jennings might be looking for a new place to call home so he can be a starting point guard in the NBA again.

OBLIGATORY TRADE FOR NETS PG SITUATION

Detroit acquires: Jarrett Jack, Shane Larkin, Andrea Bargnani and Brooklyn's 2021 second round pick

Brooklyn acquires: Brandon Jennings

Why it works for Detroit: Andrea Bargnani may be a laughingstock to some but he can still be a solid contributor off the bench. He seems like a perfect fit for SVG's 4 out, 1 in offense. Shane Larkin will also provide some solid, if not spectacular, backup point guard play. He's young and he has a lot of room to grow. As for Jarrett Jack, he's included in this deal to make the salaries work but once he eventually returns from injury, he could also be a sturdy contributor off the bench. Admittedly, this isn't a very strong deal for the Pistons. They could find much better but if they become desperate, this package is not a horrible fall back plan.

Why it works for Brooklyn: No matter how bad things get, the Nets refuse to blow it up and start again. They've shown no interest in trading away franchise centerpieces Brook Lopez and Thaddeus Young and are preparing for a free agency where they will try their hardest to acquire big names. Acquiring and re-signing Jennings on the cheap is a good move, but only if the franchise is 100% sure they don't want to rebuild (which I, and many others, agree is not a good idea)

THE OTHER BOROUGH WANTS HIM TOO

Detroit acquires: Arron Afflalo

New York acquires: Brandon Jennings

Why it works for Detroit: The last time Afflalo was in the Motor City, he never got a chance to strut his stuff. This time around, I think things would be different. Afflalo would instantly become the sixth man on a competitive Detroit team and could be in the running for Sixth Man of the Year if he can carry Detroit's horrendous second unit.

Why it works for New York: When healthy, Jennings is a better player than Afflalo. If the Knicks, who have reportedly previously shown interest in Jennings, really want to make the playoffs, they will need a upgrade over Jose Calderon at the point guard position. I understand that Afflalo, their sacrifice in this trade, is their only good shooting guard but I also believe that Jennings, not Afflalo, would be the guard that has a higher chance of leading the Knicks back to the playoffs. Who knows - Langston Galloway could start producing some real magic again if given the opportunity to start for these playoff-hungry Knickerbockers.

SALT LAKE CITY FINDS THEIR REPLACEMENT

Detroit acquires: Alec Burks and Jeff Withey

Utah acquires: Brandon Jennings, Aron Baynes and Detroit's 2018 first round pick

Why it works for Detroit: According to Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat, Alec Burks is the most underrated player in the NBA. The electrifying shooting guard can put up points in a hurry and would be given a chance to do so in Detroit with ample opportunity in the second unit. Like Afflalo, Burks could get some serious Sixth Man of the Year hype. Detroit would also acquire Jeff Withey, a young center that has shown some promise in the absence of Rudy Gobert. Shedding Aron Baynes and his overpriced contract isn't too bad of an idea, either.

Why it works for Utah: This trade will not only help the Jazz reach the playoffs this year but also help them in the future. Jennings will solve their point guard problem this year and it's not a problem if Jennings doesn't re-sign because Dante Exum will hopefully be back next year and they still have Trey Burke. Baynes will also join fellow Aussies Exum and Joe Ingles on the roster, which could lead to better production from the big man, who worked well with Patty Mills in San Antonio. Although they would be losing Burks, they would also be gaining a future first round pick that could land them a good player in the future.

MAJOR POINT GUARD SWAP

Detroit acquires: Ty Lawson, K.J. McDaniels and Donatas Motiejuans

Houston acquires: Brandon Jennings, Joel Anthony, Anthony Tolliver and Detroit's 2016 second round pick

Why it works for Detroit: Ty Lawson has shown what he can do when in the right situation. The former Denver point guard finished last season third in assists per game with 9.6. Houston hasn't properly intergrated him into their system and he has been awful. Getting him on the low also means the Pistons can acquire little used McDaniels and oft-injured Motiejunas to add to their strong, young core. If Lawson doesn't work out, they can just let him go at the end of the season but if he does and returns to his old style of play, then the Pistons will have an underpriced point guard manning their backup point guard position. This is the best package Detroit could ask for Jennings and his expiring contract.

Why it works for Houston: If Houston is going to push for a championship this year (they really don't have a choice - Howard, Motiejunas and Jones are all free agents after this season), they need an upgrade. Although this trade won't allow Jennings to start, he will be given an opportunity for significant minutes when Beverley's limitations are too much for the Rockets to keep him on the floor. The role that seemed perfect for Lawson could now be waiting for a guy like Jennings to take. Tolliver is also a good rotation guy that could a better fit in Houston, a team that likes to shoot a lot of threes. Also, for a team that most likely won't own their first round pick this year, another second round pick can't hurt, especially when the Rockets were able to pick up a gem in Montrezl Harrell in last year's second round.

Friday Night NBA Action Preview: Rockets and Cavs, Bulls and Mavs, more...

FRIDAY 15TH JANUARY NBA ACTION PREVIEW (9 GAMES)

7:00 PM ET - Indiana Pacers (22-17) vs Washington Wizards (18-19)

Hype Ranking: 3rd

Key Matchup: Monta Ellis vs Bradley Beal - Both shooting guards have had disappointing years so far - Ellis with lackluster production and Beal with injuries. Now that Beal's back, it's time for the Wizards to take it up a notch and really compete for the playoffs. The key to success in Beal but if Ellis can outscore him, then Beal's scoring production won't matter.

7:00 PM ET - Oklahoma City Thunder (28-12) vs Minnesota Timberwolves (12-28)

Hype Ranking: 5th

Key Matchup: Russell Westbrook vs Ricky Rubio - After an ejection last game, you can bet on Westbrook getting mad and tearing up the Wolves. If the Wolves want any part of winning this game, they're going to need Rubio to put his underrated defense to good use against Westbrook. Also, it'll be interesting to see who gets more assists and who is closer to a triple-double between the two.

7:30 PM ET - Boston Celtics (20-19) vs Phoenix Suns (13-27)

Hype Ranking: 7th

Key Matchup: Jae Crowder vs T.J. Warren - Warren is a gifted scorer and, when given the opportunity, can light teams up from all over the court. The Celtics will need Crowder to assure that doesn't happen while also needing Crowder's own scoring production if they want to win this game comfortably.

7:30 PM ET - Brooklyn Nets (11-28) vs Portland Trail Blazers (17-24)

Hype Ranking: 6th

Key Matchup: Brook Lopez vs Meyers Leonard - Brook Lopez is a talented scorer who is the Nets only chance for victory in most games. If Leonard can use his three point shooting to his advantage, he can tire out Lopez on the offensive end and have less trouble with him on the interior at the other side of the floor. No easy buckets for Lopez means an easier chance to win for Rip City. Brook Lopez will also be matching up with former teammate Mason Plumlee in his first game in Brooklyn since being traded to the Blazers in the offseason.

 8:00 PM ET - New Orleans Pelicans (12-26) vs Charlotte Hornets (18-20)

Hype Ranking: 8th
Key Matchup: Tyreke Evans vs Kemba Walker - Both Evans and Walker are talented floor generals albeit Evans as more of a guard/forward that takes a lot of point guard duties away from Jrue Holiday. Both teams desperately need this win and Walker and Evans (as well as Davis) are the only players that could truly take over this game and bring home the win.

8:00 PM ET - Chicago Bulls (23-15) vs Dallas Mavericks (22-18)

Hype Ranking: 2nd

Key Matchup: Pau Gasol vs Dirk Nowitzki - The two European big men are once again facing off in what could become one of their final matchups. Dirk is fresh off a game which he was rested for but so is Pau. If Dirk being fresh means he can continue to score like he has been all year, then the Bulls are in trouble. That is if Pau has nothing to say about it.

8:00 PM ET - Milwaukee Bucks (16-25) vs Atlanta Hawks (23-16)

Hype Ranking: 9th

Key Matchup: Giannis Antetokounmpo vs Kent Bazemore - The Greek Freak is one of the more talented young small forwards in this league but he'll have to overpower suddenly superb 3 and D forward Kent Bazemore to give the young Bucks a win they desperately need if they truly want to make a final push for the playoffs. 

9:00 PM ET - Denver Nuggets (15-24) vs Miami Heat (22-17)

Hype Ranking: 4th

Key Matchup: Randy Foye vs Dwyane Wade - Although Barton is the better shooting guard right now, it's Randy Foye and his amazing post defense that the Nuggets will need from him that will allow them to build on their victory over the Warriors two nights ago. If Wade gets his rhythm going, however, Denver won't be looking to good. Foye is the only one that can prevent that.

GAME OF THE NIGHT

9:30 PM ET - Houston Rockets (21-19) vs Cleveland Cavaliers (27-10)

Hype Ranking: 1st

Key Matchup: Patrick Beverley vs Kyrie Irving - No, it's not Harden vs LeBron. LeBron will probably destroy Harden on offense but Harden will most likely match or exceed LBJ's scoring output. The key to this game is whether or not Beverley can lock down Irving. Unlike Harden, Beverley won't be able to match Kyrie's scoring output and will need to make sure he doesn't score any easy buckets or it's game over for the Rockets.

Thursday Night NBA Action Preview: Spurs and Cavs, Jazz and Kings, more...

THURSDAY 14TH JANUARY NBA ACTION PREVIEW (6 GAMES)

3:00 PM ET -  Orlando Magic (20-18) vs Toronto Raptors (24-15)

Hype Ranking: 4th

Key Matchup:  Channing Frye vs Luis Scola - which stretch four will provide better production for their team when it counts?

Game Notes: Playing in London, the Magic and the Raptors are both fighting, albeit for something different. The young Magic are surging towards their first playoff appearance since Dwight Howard left town and the Carroll-less Raptors are trying to stay afloat and keep their top four seed without their superb wing defender. Rest assured, both teams will fight it out for the affection of the fans in London.

7:00 PM ET - Philadelphia 76ers (4-36) vs Chicago Bulls (22-15)

Hype Ranking: 6th

Key Matchup: Jahlil Okafor vs Pau Gasol - Okafor is an excellent interior scorer. Can Gasol and Chicago's other big men find a way to stop him?

Game Notes: The Sixers have been an atrocity this season, as shown by their historically bad record. However, acquiring point guard Ish Smith, alongside making some front office and coaching adjustments, has seemed to be a move that could help the franchise gain some respectability by producing some, if not a lot, of wins now. The Bulls need to have their scouting report ready for Smith now because the last time they met, he wasn't on the roster. The Sixers may be bad but they fight hard and the Bulls must be ready to fight back just as hard.

8:00 PM ET - Memphis Grizzlies (21-19) vs Detroit Pistons (21-17)

Hype Ranking: 3rd

Key Matchup: Marc Gasol vs Andre Drummond - Last year, Marc Gasol was the league's best center. This year, he has underwhelmed and Drummond is one player that is now gunning for that crown with his tremendous rebounding skills. If Gasol can keep Drummond off the boards, it will give the Grizz a better chance at walking out with the win.

Game Notes: The last time these two teams met, Memphis' Matt Barnes sinked a half court shot for the win in front of a shocked Detroit crowd. We can only hope for a similar climatic finish. They are two teams with similar records but Detroit is the team with so much to lose with how things are shaking up East. The Pistons will need the best of Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond to topple the grit 'n' grind of these Grizzlies.

GAME OF THE NIGHT
8:00 ET - San Antonio Spurs (34-6) vs Cleveland Cavaliers (27-9)

Hype Ranking: 1st

Key Matchup: Kawhi Leonard vs LeBron James - Duh. Two superstars and MVP candidates going head to head for the first time this season. If Kawhi can shut down LeBron, then the Spurs should have no problems shutting down the Cavs unless Kyrie explodes for 50+ again. 

Game Notes: Need I say much? The game of the night features two of the league's best three teams giving each other all they've got. A potential Finals matchup, it will be interesting to see how Leonard and James and Love and Aldridge matchup against one another. Whichever player of Kawhi, Kyrie, LeBron, Love, Aldridge, Parker and Duncan has the bigger game, their team should come out on top somehow (see: Kyrie Irving lighting up the Spurs for 57).

9:00 PM ET - Utah Jazz (17-21) vs Sacramento Kings (15-23)

Hype Ranking: 2nd

Key Matchup: Gordon Hayward vs Rudy Gay - Both forwards can get points up in a hurry but who will do just that and lead their team to victory?

Game Notes: Two teams with playoff aspirations come into this game desperate for a win, the Jazz to increase their lead on the eighth seed and the Kings to come one game closer to it. Neither team has touched the playoffs in a while and you can be sure that they are hungry for that spot and will stop at nothing to obtain it. This should be an intense game that could have serious implications in the Western Conference playoff picture down the road.

10:30 PM ET - Golden State Warriors (36-3) vs Los Angeles Lakers (9-31)

Hype Ranking: 5th

Key Matchup: Klay Thompson vs Lou Williams - Lou Williams has been on a tear lately, highlighted by a career-high 44 points againt the Thunder this past week. Can Klay shut him down and prevent a close game like what the Thunder had to deal with because of Lou Will?

Game Notes: In the last game of the night, the league's best team is pitted against its second worst team. If Kobe plays, it will indeed be his last game in the Bay Area and the Oracle crowd will be sure to send him off in the appropriate fashion. There isn't much to see here except Golden State most probably bouncing back from only their third loss of the season and seeing if Kobe will be okay to play his final game in Oakland.

Shaking Up the Suns

A new season was supposed to mean a fresh start for a Suns franchise that went through significant changes at last year's trade deadline. Third Team All-NBA performer Goran Dragic (and his brother) were sent packing to Miami, Isaiah Thomas was also moved (Boston) and so were Miles Plumlee and Tyler Ennis (Milwaukee). These trades allowed the Suns to bring in borderline all-star Brandon Knight to team up with Eric Bledsoe to form a talented (and all-Kentucky) backcourt. In the offseason, Phoenix struck gold, landing one of the top free agent centers in Tyson Chandler and drafting a promising rookie in the form of sharpshooter Devin Booker. They also acquired solid role players such as Jon Leuer and Mirza Teletovic to shore up their bench and make a legitimate run at the playoffs. However, Phoenix did make one mistake in the offseason. Marcus Morris, brother of Markieff, was traded to Detroit in order to clear cap room for a (failed) LaMarcus Aldridge signing, leaving Markieff extremely displeased before the season even began. When a torn left meniscus sidelined star Eric Bledsoe for the remainder of the season in late December, all hell broke loose and the Suns became a trainwreck. As it currently stands, the Phoenix Suns are 13-27 (1-9 in their last ten) and are a long shot to make the playoffs. With Chandler underwhelming and Bledsoe an oft-injured star, I think it's time to shake up these Suns and give them a real future rather than a shot at the eight seed every year. Let's blow up the Suns and give them a rebuild...

                                                       THE KEEPERS (+ BLEDSOE)

The only players safe from this hypothetical shake-up are young guns Alex Len, T.J. Warren and Devin Booker. These guys could potentially be the future of this franchise so we're not just going to trade them away. Also, Eric Bledsoe stays. He has the most potential on the team and he's also recovering from a severe injury, which means there wouldn't be much of a market for him anyway.

THE BIG CENTER TRADE-OFF

Charlotte acquires: Tyson Chandler and Mirza Teletovic
Phoenix acquires: Al Jefferson and Cody Zeller

Why it works for Charlotte: Plain and simple, the Hornets are vying for a playoff spot and a recent slide hasn't helped their case. Not having Big Al on the floor has hurt their chances of success in a suddenly competitive East. This trade allows Charlotte to win now, something they are strongly aspiring to do. Chandler provides interior defense and rebounding as a legitimate starting center and Teletovic provides a spark plug off the bench at the small forward position, a shallow position because of Kidd-Gilchrist's season long absence. Trading Big Al now also assures that they didn't lose him for nothing (Jefferson will be an UFA at the conclusion of the 2015-16 season).

Why it works for Phoenix: The biggest plus here for the Suns is being able to offload Chandler's hefty contract and not having to send away any draft picks with it. It's a bonus that they receive a valuable asset in Cody Zeller to add to their young core. Also, as mentioned previously, Big Al is in the final year of his contract so they won't be carrying that big salary around for too long. This is a no-brainer for Phoenix - the idea of offloading Chandler with no penalty and receiving a young player for the future should have GM Ryan McDonough giddy with excitement.

REUNITED AT LAST

Detroit acquires: Markieff Morris

Phoenix acquires: Ersan Ilyasova and Detroit's 2016 second-round pick and 2017 first-round pick (protected 1-7)

Why it works for Detroit: We've all seen what Markieff Morris can do when he is happy and by his brother's side. With the other Morris twin already on the squad, Detroit is the only team in the league that can almost guarantee themselves they're getting the Markieff Morris of old. And if that's truly the case, then the Eastern Conference better watch out because the Pistons just might start gunning for a top four seed this season and beyond. The old Markieff Morris was a special player and a player on a nice contract, too. Reuniting him with his brother might just be the key to the future for a team already overflowing with young talent

Why it works for Phoenix: There are a lot of suitors out there for Markieff Morris but only one team can't low ball the Suns - and that's the Pistons. Other teams such as the New Orleans Pelicans or Sacramento Kings can't be sure that just because Markieff has left Phoenix means he will be happy again. Detroit has the highest chance of making Markieff happy than any other franchise which means they will have to pay accordingly. However, Morris' recent play must still be taken into consideration and considering that, the haul for the Suns should be good enough to pull the trigger. Ilyasova is a servicable power forward that could eventually be flipped when the opportunity arises to pursue bigger (and younger) fish but the real prize of this trade is the 2017 first rounder that is only protected 1-7. This pick could be extremely important in revitalizing the franchise in the future, especially if the Pistons fall apart and it becomes a lottery pick.

FOUR TEAM TRADE LANDS KNIGHT BACK WHERE HE BELONGS

Milwaukee receives: Brandon Knight and Salah Mejri 

Dallas receives: Michael Carter-Williams, Rashad Vaughn and P.J. Tucker

Utah receives: Devin Harris, Raymond Felton and Dallas' 2019 second round pick

Phoenix receives: Trey Burke, Justin Anderson, Dwight Powell, O.J. Mayo, Greivis Vasquez, Milwaukee's 2018 first round pick (protected 1-14) and Golden State (via Utah)'s 2017 first round pick

Why it works for Milwaukee: One statistic gives you all you need to know about Brandon Knight's fit with the Bucks. Milwaukee compiled a 30-23 record in the 2014-15 season before shipping Knight to Phoenix and bringing in MCW. Since the trade, Milwaukee has gone 29-47 (including playoffs) and are looking like a sure bet to miss the playoffs after shockingly snatching up the six seed in 2015. MCW, regardless of how lengthy he is, hasn't panned out in Milwaukee and rookie Rashad Vaughn isn't getting enough playing time to strut his stuff. Vasquez is also expected to miss at least 3-4 months after ankle surgery and Mayo is on an expiring deal. Aside from its first rounder in 2017, Milwaukee hasn't got much to lose in this trade but, boy does it have so much to gain. (Note: Mejri also showed some flashes of being a quality big man  in today's loss to the Thunder, posting 17 and 9 in 25 minutes of play)

Why it works for Dallas: Sure, they've got Deron Williams but why not add insurance at the PG position, especially when D-Will could opt out this summer and become a free agent? MCW is probably better suited to a backup role anyway and we have reasons to believe Mavs coach Rick Carlisle is an excellent point guard whisperer (see; Raymond Felton, Devin Harris, J.J. Barea) and could turn MCW's somewhat underwhelming early career around. Vaughn is also a nice young piece that just went number 17 overall in last year's draft and will serve as good compensation for the loss of Justin Anderson. P.J. Tucker would also add some much needed depth behind the oft-injured Chandler Parsons at the SF position. With this trade, Dallas gets better in the present and in the future.

Why it works for Utah: The poor Jazz have succumbed to the dreaded injury bug this year. Dante Exum, Joe Ingles, Rudy Gobert, Derrick Favors, Rodney Hood and Alec Burks have all suffered injuries this season, with Exum (Utah's starting PG) expected to miss the season with a torn ACL. Trey Burke, Exum's backup, is just not cutting it and the Jazz  are only barely holding onto the eighth seed in the West right now. Utah has made it clear that they want to compete for a playoff spot and acquiring the services of Felton and Harris is just what they need. These are two veterans that can inspire the young Jazz to keep pushing for the playoffs and Felton could be just the veteran PG leader they're looking for in Exum's absence (oh and, by the way, here's something you might've forgotten - Felton has already recorded a triple-double this season).

Why it works for Phoenix: Finally, we get down to the team that is finally finished shaking it up (hypothetically). Chandler's in Charlotte, Morris' in Detroit and now Brandon Knight and P.J. Tucker are in Milwaukee and Dallas, respectively. So, let's break down what Phoenix gets in this blockbuster trade. First, and possibly most importantly, the Suns receive Golden State's unprotected first in 2017 along with Milwaukee's lottery protected first in 2018. These two picks, especially Milwaukee's, could be of high importance if they give the Suns a chance to land a good or even great rookie. Now, for the players. Mayo (expiring deal) and Vasquez (injured) won't do much for the Suns but after Vasquez recovers, he could become a valuable mentor to the young guns on Phoenix's roster. Mayo is included just to make salaries work and will most likely be let go at the end of the season. Dallas are also sending rookie Justin Anderson and sophomore Dwight Powell to join Phoenix's suddenly exciting young core. Powell started the season hot for the Mavs and a fresh start may be just what he needs to just explode. Anderson is also very promising, according to his peers. In the 2015-16 NBA.COM Rookie Survey, Anderson was voted the most athletic rookie (grabbing 27.8% of the votes) and was also surprisingly chosen a tie for third behind only top three picks Jahlil Okafor and Karl-Anthony Towns for predicting who will have the best career (13.8% of the votes). Last, but not least, the most skilled player in this trade to come to the desert would have to be Trey Burke, the point guard from Michigan. Burke may never be destined to be a great starter in this league but he could damn well be a helluva sixth man for a team such as the Suns.



So there you have it - I shook up the Suns and I sent their players sprawling all across the country, leaving no leaf unturned. Here's just an idea of what the new roster looks like (starters are bolded):
PG: Eric Bledsoe, Trey Burke, Greivis Vasquez
SG: Devin Booker, O.J. Mayo, Archie Goodwin,
SF: T.J. Warren, Justin Anderson, Sonny Weems
PF: Ersan Ilyasova, Cody Zeller, Dwight Powell, Jon Leuer
C: Al Jefferson, Alex Len

Thanks for reading and don't forget leave a suggestion for an article and vote in the poll for who you think won that final four-team trade (P.S. you can vote multiple teams and P.P.S. If you are viewing this on your mobile phone or tablet, scroll to the bottom and tap "View Web Version" to be able to vote).