The Milwaukee Bucks traded forwards Yi Jianlian of China and Bobby Simmons to the New Jersey Nets for forward Richard Jefferson yesterday hours before the National Basketball Association draft.
Yi Jianlian of China smiles as he wears a Milwaukee Bucks cap after being selected by the Bucks as the sixth overall pick at the 2007 NBA Draft at Madison Square Garden in New York June 28, 2007. (Xinhua/Reuters, File Photo)
Milwaukee has been looking to rid itself of several bloated contracts and decided it was worth trading the rookie that former general manager Larry Harris selected with the sixth selection in last year's draft along with the rest of Simmons' contract. Simmons has two years and a little more than US$20 million left on his deal.
Harris was let go in March, and new general manager John Hammond is looking to fill several spots as the team tumbled to a 26-56 finish. Jefferson provides veteran leadership to a team desperately seeking winners in the locker room.
Detroit Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince (L) drives around Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Simmons (R) during the first half of their NBA game in Auburn Hills, Michigan Dec. 31, 2007.(Xinhua/Reuters, File Photo)
"Richard Jefferson is a hardworking, proven, dynamic performer at the forward position," Hammond said. "He's an aggressive player with terrific credentials over his career. He's been a winner, having gone to the playoffs in six of his seven seasons, and we're excited to bring him to Milwaukee."
The Nets get room under the salary cap and rid themselves a large contract, too. Jefferson, the second leading scorer in Nets history, averaged 22.6 points last season and has three years and more than US$42 million left on his contract.
Yi could also develop into a powerful presence, and finally gets to go to a major city with a large Chinese population and more marketing opportunities.
New Jersey Nets forward Richard Jefferson makes a reverse stuff shot in front of Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) in the fourth quarter of their NBA basketball game in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Feb. 10, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters, File Photo)
"We feel that Yi can be a very special player," Nets president Rod Thorn said. "He is a 20-year old 7-footer who shoots the ball extremely well, and he is an excellent addition to our frontcourt."
Yi took his time signing with Milwaukee after being selected in last year's draft and wasn't swayed to join Milwaukee until a contingent that included owner and US Sen. Herb Kohl traveled to China to complete the deal.
Yi made 49 starts and played in 66 games, averaging 8.6 points and 5.2 rebounds. He vied with Charlie Villanueva for playing time.
(Agencies via Shanghai Daily June 27, 2008)