NBA Rumors: 3 Big-Market Teams Brandon Jennings Should Target
Brandon Jennings made waves by telling ESPN's Chris Broussard he's looking at some big-market teams just in case he decides to leave the Milwaukee Bucks in 2014. It was an interesting admission by the young point guard, who you would think should be completely focused on the team's playoff chase.
"Brandon Jennings, the Milwaukee Bucks' leading scorer, told ESPN.com Thursday he will strongly consider leaving Milwaukee for one of the league's larger markets once his rookie contract ends.
"I am going to keep my options open, knowing that the time is coming up,'' Jennings said in an email interview. "I'm doing my homework on big-market teams.''
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It's important for every player to keep their options open, but usually they don't make those type of comments until free agency is imminent. If Jennings were to hit the market, here are three big-market franchises he should target.
Derek Fisher has started all 28 games for the Lakers this season, but is averaging just five points and four assists. His best days are clearly behind him, which means Los Angeles will need to fill a void at the point guard position in the coming years.
The front office thought it had acquired Chris Paul during the offseason only to see the trade get vetoed, eventually leading to him joining the Clippers. That was obviously a huge setback for the Lakers, who must now find another young PG to step in.
Even though Jennings isn't on Paul's level—at least not yet—he's still one of the most talented young guards in the league and would be a nice fit with the Lakers.
The Knicks were getting virtually no production from the point guard position while waiting for Baron Davis to return from injury and then something crazy happened. Jeremy Lin came out of nowhere and starting playing like an All-Star, leading to the phenomena now known as Linsanity.
While it's certainly a terrific story, I'm still not totally convinced he's going to maintain his current pace over the long haul. It's one thing to dominate for a week or two, but doing it when teams are game planning to stop you is a completely different task.
That's why New York should keep Jennings on its radar. He's proven over a longer period that he can be a major contributor and would be a nice fit alongside Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire.
Much like Fisher in Los Angeles, Jason Kidd is no longer providing the Mavericks with dependable play at the point. He's averaging just four points and six rebounds while watching his playing time reach the lowest it's been during his entire career.
Mark Cuban has never been afraid to open up his checkbook to help his team add a key piece, which is exactly what Jennings would be. Since many key Mavericks are starting to get up there in age, a youth infusion will be necessary over the next couple seasons to help the team remain a contender.
Jennings has the ability to be a franchise cornerstone wherever he's playing in 2014. Playing for the Mavericks would give him the exposure he seemingly wants while also putting him in the title hunt.
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