A Royal Acquisition: Brandon Jennings

"Our ‘A Royal Acquisition’ series takes a look at pending free agents or potential trade targets that could make sense for the Sacramento Kings this offseason. These columns are meant to be speculative by nature. Some may have actual rumors and insider speculation behind them, and some may not. You’ve been warned. In this column, Kyle Robert takes a look at the likely available Detroit Pistons point guard, Brandon Jennings."

Brandon Jennings

Height: 6’ 1” Weight: 169

Could it be Brandon Jennings and not Ty Lawson that makes the most sense for the Sacramento Kings this off season? Many Kings fans, myself included, believe the Kings are interested in upgrading the roster in an attempt to win now. Upgrading at the point guard position would help multiple spots. First off, it would be an upgrade for the starting lineup. Nothing against Darren Collison, who was impressive in his debut season with the Kings, but you would have to believe he played a bit over his head. Secondly, acquiring Jennings would allow Collison to run the show for the second team that was a major concern for the Kings last season. When the starters left the floor, and the bench unit came in, leads were lost or close games would become major deficits.

Jennings is a player that could be had fairly easily. The Detroit Pistons acquired Reggie Jackson at the trade deadline last season. One would assume that they will pay him and look to move Jennings as a way to save salary. The Kings would likely need to move their 6th overall pick for Jennings. Stan Van Gundy is still transitioning this team to his liking, and another pick in the top-10 would be ideal for the coach/GM.

The Kings would have to move a player with the draft pick to make the money work. Ideally, Carl Landry would be the piece that is moved. Landry doesn’t seem to fit in the wide open style George Karl employs. Many assume Greg Monroe leaves the Pistons this summer, and Landry could fit well on the bench and fill some minutes at the power forward spot.

While not as likely, sending second year guard Nik Stauskas to the Pistons along with Jason Thompson may get the job done. This would allow the Kings to keep their pick and still acquire a player that helps this year and in the future. Thompson, like Landry, could help fill some of the vacated minutes created by Monroe’s departure.

Jennings struggled early with the Pistons, but seemed to explode when Josh Smith was shown the door. December was the best month for Jennings, who averaged 18.5 points, 6.1 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game. Unfortunately, Jennings tore his Achilles, ending his season early. He is supposed to be back on the court starting in August. Ideally, he’d be ready for the start of the 2015-2016 season, but likely won’t look like himself until the All-Star break.

A little patience may be required with Jennings, but he would be a ‘buy low’ acquisition on the Kings part. It would allow them to move a bad contract, and add a big piece to their playoff push heading into the new arena.

While Jennings may not be the ideal player, he would be a welcomed addition that would improve this roster as a whole.

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