NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. – The New York Knicks were not one of the teams that made a trade before the deadline. Very surprising, considering Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose were a daily topic of trade rumors leading up to Feb. 23.
New York does however plan to make a roster change, four days after the trade deadline. This morning, reports surfaced that the Knicks would be releasing Brandon Jennings. The veteran guard confirmed those reports through his twitter account:
Thank you to all the Knicks fans for the love all year long, and thanks to my teammates and the organization.
— Brandon Jennings (@brandonjennings) February 27, 2017
Knicks fans around the nation have expressed their dismay with the decision. It is very understandable, due to the fact that Jennings played hard each and every night. Jennings heart was never in question, and that was exemplified when other teammates struggled to bring it on a nightly basis.
However, there are reports saying the Jennings asked for the release, so that he could play for a playoff team. New York sits only four games out the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Jennings must have felt confident that with the guys in that Knick locker room, making up that ground was not possible.
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
New York will miss Jennings, and Jennings will miss the Knicks as well. Jennings in his most recent tweet, showed his appreciation for playing in Madison Square Garden:
Playing in the Mecca was an amazing experience and I’m looking forward to being back on the court soon playing the game that I love.
— Brandon Jennings (@brandonjennings) February 27, 2017
Jennings averaged 8.6 PPG, 4.9 APG and 2.6 RPG in 58 games for New York this season. The veteran guard provided valuable minutes off the bench, but at times was careless with the basketball. Jennings proved he could still score at a high level, scoring 32 points against the Houston Rockets back on Dec. 31. That scoring ability will definitely attract some potential contenders, it’s just a question of where.
The move by New York was reportedly made to sign Chasson Randle. Randle spent time this season on the Westchester Knicks, before the Philadelphia 76ers signed him to a 10 day contract in January. Philadelphia went on to sign Randle to a three year contract, only to release Randle soon after to make roster space for the Nerlens Noel trade to the Dallas Mavericks,
Knicks reportedly waive Brandon Jennings; Plan to sign former 76ers guard Chasson Randle as his replacement https://t.co/9btTLjCJGApic.twitter.com/tAZGlO8k1A
— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) February 27, 2017
Fans will definitely miss Jennings, but will have to see how the season plays out before they make judgement on signing Randle. There must be some reason why the Knicks purposely brought back Randle, after waiving him earlier in the year. Hopefully the lights aren’t too bright for Randle, as the Garden faithful are not shy in showing their disapproval.
Barry Holmes is a Senior Writer for PureSportsNY.com. Follow him on Twitter @BHO732
(Featured Photo Credit: Barry Holmes)