Brandon Jennings was brought to New York over the summer to be the spark the Knicks needed off the bench. Phil Jackson issued a challenge to Jennings for him to contend for the 2017 Sixth Man of the Year award and produce for a team that some had in the playoffs. But as we head into March, Jennings’ time with the Knicks has run out. The guard has often been outspoken about the Knicks play this season, often very critical of how the team performed.
He was waived by the Knicks today, and in return, the team signed guard Chasson Randle who had shown some flashes in preseason and the NBA D-League for the Westchester Knicks.
The team made the announcement official.
Feb. 27 – The NY Knicks have signed free agent guard Chasson Randle to a contract. Guard Brandon Jennings has been waived. pic.twitter.com/3Cg9YqFOyj
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) February 27, 2017
Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reports that the Knicks waived Jennings due in part to his mindset.
The New York Knicks waived veteran guard Brandon Jennings, clearing the way to sign guard Chasson Randle, league sources told The Vertical.
The Knicks’ front office and coaching staff hadn’t been enamored with Jennings’ mindset amid the team’s struggles this season, league sources said, and ownership agreed to pay him the balance of the $5 million owed him on his contract this season.
Because Jennings was waived prior to March 1, if he clears waivers he’s eligible to be signed and added to a playoff roster.
Marc Stein of The Undefeated says Jennings asked to be waived so he could join a contender.
Brandon Jennings told NYK recently he wanted to play for a playoff team, source said. NYK released the vet PG, plan to sign another. Woj 1st
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) February 27, 2017
But the word contender is a very loose term. It could mean Championship contender, and if so, it already appears that the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers have their sights set on guards. Jose Calderon is connected to the Warriors, and Deron Williams has already reportedly agreed to a deal with the Cavaliers. So where does that leave Jennings? A possible playoffs contender, maybe?
The Boston Celtics have a glut in their backcourt. Raymond Felton appears to be a capable backup for Chris Paul, and the combination of Austin Rivers and Jamal Crawford also share some ball handling duties when Paul isn’t on the court. The Spurs have Tony Parker, Patty Mills, and rookie Dejounte Murray. Lou Williams was just acquired by the Houston Rockets; The Utah Jazz has George Hill, Dante Exum, and Shelvin Mack. The Toronto Raptors have Kyle Lowry, Cory Joseph, and young guard Delon Wright. So by process of elimination, there are only a few more options left.
The Washington Wizards were reportedly heavily interested in Lou Williams before he was traded to Houston. With the Wizards currently sitting third in the NBA Eastern Conference, there could be a spot for Jennings to come in and snag some open playing time given the lack of productive point guards on the roster outside of John Wall. But the Charlotte Hornets, for some reason, are also connected to Jennings. Charlotte currently sits 11th in the East standings.
Following from Chris B. Haynes of ESPN, David Aldridge of Turner Sports and Aaron McMann of MLive.
One team, league sources tell ESPN, with interest in newly released backup point guard Brandon Jennings: Washington.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 27, 2017
Stan Van Gundy spoke to Brandon Jennings' agent this morning. Apparently he's headed to Charlotte.
— Aaron McMann (@AaronMcMann) February 27, 2017
Hearing from several places that Brandon Jennings not a lock to go 2 Charlotte; Wizards among teams still working. (All due respect to SVG.)
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) February 27, 2017
We’ll have more information on this as the story develops.
