Yi for Jefferson Trade Evaluation

Posted by Phil Partington Jul 1, 2008

The Milwaukee Bucks recently traded prospect Forward Yi Jianlian and Forward Bobby Simmons to the New Jersey Nets for Forward Richard Jefferson. This trade confirms that the Bucks are looking to win now, while the Nets are looking more toward the future.

After dealing Jason Kidd to the Dallas Mavericks during the season, the Nets look much younger than before. One wonders if Vince Carter might be dealt next. Along with the trades, New Jersey selected Center Brook Lopez with the 10th pick of the 2008 NBA Draft, as well as Forward Ryan Anderson with the 21st pick, giving them a more balanced offensive approach. Pending other transactions, they'll be rolling with Lopez at center, Sean Williams, Josh Boone or Anderson at the power forward position, Yi Jianlian at the other forward position, Devin Harris at point guard and Vince Carter at the shooting guard spot.

On the other hand, Milwaukee seems to be trying to make a playoff push right away. Richard Jefferson is a solid finisher with a lot of versatility, but it's questionable as to whether or not he'll be able to get them over the hump. He'll certainly take pressure off of Michael Redd, but the Bucks could still use a bruiser power forward, as well as a pass-first backup point guard. Their success will mostly be linked to the development of Center Andrew Bogut, who's extremely underrated as a prospect.