NBA Trade Rumors: Available Guards Knicks Must Pursue

Jan 14, 2015; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons guard

(7) dribbles the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard

(20) during the first quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Jennings, Detroit Pistons

Position: Point Guard

Age: 26

Salary: $8,344,497 (Expiring)

2014-15 Slash Line: .401/.360/.839

2014-15 Season Averages: 28.6 MPG, 15.4 PPG, 6.6 APG, 2.5 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 1.9 3PM

The Detroit Pistons have something of a logjam at point guard. Reggie Jackson is a borderline All-Star as a starter and Steve Blake is a solid backup whom Stan Van Gundy appears to covet for his tenacity and selflessness.

That could leave Brandon Jennings as the odd man out.

Jennings was in the midst of a career-year in 2014-15, more so from a leadership role than a statistical perspective. He led Detroit to 12 wins in the final 15 games he completed, but fell victim to an untimely Achilles tendon tear—an injury he’s close to returning from.

According to Steve Kyler of BasketballInsiders.com, the Knicks have already been linked to Jennings as a potential trade destination.

"Jennings has yet to play this year as he recovers from a torn Achilles, however, his name is being floated around in connection with a couple of teams — most notably the New York Knicks."

It’d make sense to gamble on Jennings’ talent—maybe.

Jennings is on an expiring contract, which makes the risk of acquiring him an easier one to stomach. For as dynamic a playmaker as he may be—career averages of 16.6 points and 6.2 assists—he’d likely require New York to trade either Langston Galloway or Jerian Grant.

Moving forward, it’s worth noting that Van Gundy called Jennings, “No more or less available than anyone else,” on the roster, per Keith Langlois of NBA.com—a sign that the ball-dominant point guard may be tougher to acquire than he seems.

There’s no telling how Carmelo Anthony and Jennings would gel stylistically, but on paper, it’s a risky endeavor.

Next: The Enigma