Breaking: Yi/Simmons to NJ for Richard Jefferson

by Frank Madden on Jun 26, 2008 2:43 PM CDT Comment 9 comments

John Hammond appears to have made the first big statement of his tenure as Bucks GM, agreeing in principle to trade Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons for Nets small forward Richard Jefferson. Both ESPN and SI are reporting this deal as being close to done. No draft picks are apparently involved.

Initial reaction: wow. We won't really be able to draw any final conclusions on this until we figure out if Yi can be a legitimate NBA big (still a major question mark), but for the time being it's clear the Bucks are shifting into win-now mode while the Nets are making a play for 2010 cap space. While Simmons is owed $9.92 and $10.56 million over the next two years, the 28-year old Jefferson will earn $13.2 and $14.2 million and has an early-termination option for $15.2 million in 2010/2011--don't expect him to opt out at those dollars. Still, this doesn't change the Bucks' potential luxury tax issues all that much in 2009/2010.

Jefferson bounced back from ankle problems in 2006/2007 to post 22.7 ppg in 82 games last year, and he's clearly a defensive upgrade for the woeful Bucks. So it's really all about time horizon--if you want the sure thing, then the Bucks clearly win this deal. If you want a younger prospect with upside, then you'd prefer to have Yi, though opinions of him will vary a great deal. The Nets seem content to rebuild (albeit with Vince Carter around) and then make a run at LeBron in the summer of 2010, and so they've been understandably shopping Jefferson. In the meantime, Yi should be a great marketing fit for the Nets and he'll certainly be thrilled to be near NYC (and a real Chinatown, too).

Andy Katz reports the Bucks still like Joe Alexander with their 8th pick, but the move does raise more questions about the Bucks' interest in Alexander and Anthony Randolph, both of whom John Hammond has referred to as small forwards. Alexander could play a bit at PF right away because of his strength and athleticism, but would probably be a bit undersized, while Randolph has the length to be a PF but is far too light (197 lbs) to play there in the next year . Chad Ford suggests the Bucks could also look to go guard, depending on the availability of Jerryd Bayless and Russell Westbrook.

Another obvious conclusion is that the Bucks might believe they can get UCLA big man Kevin Love with their 8th overall pick to replace Yi, a possibility that will largely hinge on Memphis' decision at number five. Many expect them to trade the pick. However, if the Yi trade was dependent on the Bucks acquiring Love, then you would expected the Bucks to wait until they actually have Love on the board to pull the trigger. I'd say Alexander might be the guy in theory, but I'd have to go with Love if he was on the board. Alternatively, perhaps the Bucks will continue to shop their pick as well--we just know they won't be looking to acquire a veteran small forward.

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my first reaction was:

whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa?

my next reaction was:

HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I always felt that Yi would’ve taken too long to develop and that his inability to stay healthy will be a detriment.

But wow. We finally got a real SF, got out of Bobby Simmons’ contract, I can’t wait to see who they pick in the draft.

-- "I do know that I plead the fizzif."

by Mitchell_M on Jun 26, 2008 3:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wonder What's Next?

My first reaction was that this trade seems eerily similar to the Jeff Green for Ray Allen deal last year. The celtics then were likely going into rebuilding mode; to trade for a close to 30 year old great player seemed good but it just didn’t seem to fit in the scheme of things. Later we learned it was the first of many moves to mold the Celtics into a championship club. I do not see the Bucks making ONLY this move and still drafting a guy they will keep with the number 8 pick.

This is now what I speculate. The bucks either:

Shout out to Vin Baker, Shawn Respert, Tractor Traylor, and Anthony Mason; you ruined my childhood.

by smitty7789 on Jun 26, 2008 4:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree with your sentiment…but you need to finish your post.

-- "I do know that I plead the fizzif."

by Mitchell_M on Jun 26, 2008 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How funny is it that Charlie Villanueva technically outlasted Yi in Milwaukee? Now we need a PF, so Love-who I would have felt guilty passing on anyway-makes a lot more sense if he’s around. Maybe not an ideal complement to Bogut, but I think he’ll be a productive PF for a long time.

I’d also be very pleased with Westbrook—if you want to play hard-nosed, defensive basketball he’s the guy you’d love to have as your long-term answer at the point.

You could also still go with Alexander/Randolph since both guys are raw…I don’t think either guy would have been a quality starter right away anyway, and Alexander specially could get minutes as a smallball PF.

www.BrewHoop.com

by Frank Madden on Jun 26, 2008 4:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wonder What's Next?

This is now what I speculate. The bucks either:

1. Trade the pick for a defensive minded veteran power forward.

2. (My friends and I just amost shit our pants at this possibility) trading the numbr 8 pick, Mo Williams, and Charlie V for the second overall pick where they draft Michael Beasley We then went over the Bucks potential 2008 starting lineup of
pg-Ramon Sessions
sg Michael Redd
sf-Richard Jefferson
pf- Michael Beasley
C-Andrew Bogut

Not a bad lineup. I think it could easily compete for the East crown, at least second place to the Celts.

Sorry by the way for accidentally posting my first post prematurely (on the tredmill right now and accidentally clicked some buttons. Tired!)

Also, I plan on creating a fan post tonight detailing my thoughts on the draft. Kind of akin to Bil Simmon’s draft diary but from a Bucks fan’s perspective and without the intentional jabs and fat jokes at the state of Wisconsin. Check it out and maybe join with your comments also as the draft enfolds. Go BUCKS!

Shout out to Vin Baker, Shawn Respert, Tractor Traylor, and Anthony Mason; you ruined my childhood.

by smitty7789 on Jun 26, 2008 4:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

GREAT MOVE!!!

I have been reading and following this board for many months and this recent trade has me so jazzed that I had to post. Bottomline , I love thrade because I feel it is an obivious commitment to win NOW!!!

JOHNNY HAMMOND IS THE MAN!! I look forward to the draft tonight and all the future moves!!!

KEEP REDD!!!!!!!!! KEEP REDD!!

by reddhead on Jun 26, 2008 4:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Mason

`It would be funny to see D-Mase’s face at ummerfest right now. Wonder what he thinks?

Shout out to Vin Baker, Shawn Respert, Tractor Traylor, and Anthony Mason; you ruined my childhood.

by smitty7789 on Jun 26, 2008 4:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You’d have to wait until July to make that deal because of Mo’s BYC status, and also add salary from the Heat…Mark Blount or Haslem would have to be involved plus something else if I’m looking at the numbers right. That’s a surprisingly reasonable deal I think. We know Riles likes Mo.

www.BrewHoop.com

by Frank Madden on Jun 26, 2008 5:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs