NBA Trade Rumors and Speculation: Could a Brandon Jennings for J.J. Redick Trade be in the Works?

Feb 11, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Jennings (3) sits on the floor after he was fouled during the game against the Washington Wizards at the Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY SportsBrandon Jennings has evolved from a shoot-first point guard into a fine floor general, and the lefty’s scoring abilities and expiring contract are going to make him a hot commodity, following a report from ESPN’s Chad Ford (subscription required) that Jennings desperately wants out of Milwaukee.

Ford said Jennings was reported to have said he has “irreconcilable differences” with the Bucks, though the reasoning behind these feelings was left unclear.

February 10, 2013; Orlando FL, USA; Orlando Magic shooting guard J.J. Redick (7) shoots a three pointer against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 110-104. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsWith the Bucks already having inquired about the services of Magic 2-guard J.J. Redick and the Magic looking for a younger point guard to build around, the potential of a Redick for Jennings swap begins to more than make sense.

For starters, Jennings is a restricted free agent who now appears to have absolutely no chance of remaining with the team. The Bucks already made it known to the Magic that they want some kind of reassurance that if they acquired Redick he would re-sign after the season. Now, with a valuable trade chip in Jennings, the Bucks could seek to acquire the player they want while parting with someone who wasn’t sticking around anyway.

The problem with a Jennings for Redick swap is that the Bucks may seek to shop him more before settling on Redick. Jennings’ value is very high, and Mark Cuban in Dallas has already begun the process of bringing him aboard.

This is where Magic GM Rob Hennigan needs to get very aggressive. While the Mavs could potentially put together a nicer package, there was no indication on the part of ESPN’s Tim MacMahon as to what Cuban and the Mavs would offer for Jennings.

May 15, 2011; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard OJ Mayo (32) shoots a layup against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Thabo Sefolosha (left) and forward Serge Ibaka (second from right) during the first half of game seven of the second round of the 2011 NBA playoffs at the Oklahoma City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY SportsOther than O.J. Mayo, the Mavs have no salaries that match up favorably with Jennings’ $3.17 million contract, and it doesn’t seem likely the Mavs will part with Mayo while he is having a career year to obtain the services of a player who Milwaukee likely has no choice but to part with.

That’s not to say it wouldn’t happen, but when teams’ hands are forced into dealing players they seldom get fair market value for the player.

Jennings and Mayo have identical Player Efficiency Ratings (PER) of 16.6, and J.J. Redick slightly exceeds both players with a 16.83. That indicates that Redick may not be such an unreasonable offer for Jennings. It makes sense most especially because Redick’s skill set will mesh favorably with any NBA team, while Mayo requires the ball in his hands more often to be effective.

So, Cuban has made the first phone call inquiring about Jennings. It’s time to pick up that phone and get to work, Mr. Hennigan. This one seems to have fallen right into your lap.