Bucks trade Yi Jianlian to New Jersey

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(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-06-27 12:59

MILWAUKEE - The New Jersey Nets decided to part ways with the second-leading scorer in franchise history, dealing Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee hours before the draft Thursday for forwards Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons.

In this Oct. 23, 2007, file photo, Milwaukee Bucks forwards Yi Jianlian, left, of China and Bobby Simmons, right, look for a rebound against Denver Nuggets forward Yakhouba Diawara, of France, in an NBA exhibition basketball game in Denver. The New Jersey Nets traded Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee hours before the draft Thursday, June 26, 2008, for Yi and Simmons. [Agencies]

"We certainly gave up a good player, but to get a good player you have to give up a good player. With Yi, we feel his upside is very up," Nets president Rod Thorn said. "We feel strongly he's going to be a real good player for us."

No draft picks were swapped in the trade.

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 No. 6 pick last year along with the rest of Simmons' contract.

But the Bucks had to add more salary to do it, taking on the rest of Jefferson's deal, three more years at $42.4 million.

"We inherited a little bit of a salary predicament coming into this job and really what we've done today has not changed anything we've done for the next two seasons," new general manager John Hammond said. "In the third season, we will have an issue to deal with, but I think by that time, we'll have plenty of flexibility to move some pieces if necessary."

Harris was let go in March and Hammond is looking to fill several spots as the team tumbled to a 26-56 finish. The Bucks selected versatile forward Joe Alexander with the No. 8 pick, and Jefferson provides veteran leadership to a team desperately seeking winners in the locker room.

"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."

Jefferson, second in franchise scoring to Buck Williams, gets a chance to team with Michael Redd and is not a defensive liability. He's also a proven scorer, averaging 22.6 points per game last season.

The Nets get long-term cap relief after Simmons' contract comes off the books. Simmons has two years and $20.4 million left on his deal.

"It's virtually a wash," Thorn said. "Long term, yes, because Richard's contract is longer."

The dealing of the 28-year-old Jefferson marks an end of an era. The move continues the rebuilding of the franchise in the post-Jason Kidd era and puts New Jersey in position to be a major player in 2010 offseason, which is expected to include a bumper crop of free agents that could include LeBron James and others.

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