NBN Roundtable: Trade Deadline Edition

Would it be a Mistake to Trade Rondae Hollis-Jefferson?

Sandy Mui: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has become a fan favorite on the Nets — he’s fun, certainly the Nets’ funniest player, and is always seen with a grin on his face, even with the Nets’ poor record. He’s also only in his second year with Brooklyn after playing just 29 games in his rookie campaign due to a right ankle injury. So the fact of the matter is: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is still young, and he still has potential to grow. He hasn’t shown that he’s a completely incompetent player the Nets can’t develop, so there’s still a high chance that he’ll be part of the Nets’ future success, if they elect not to trade him.

I’m not surprised that he’s on the so-called “trade block” (the Nets have only been reportedly listening to offers for him) — everyone should be on the trade block if the team only has nine wins, but unless the deal is so eye-popping that Nets management can’t pass it up, then they should not trade RHJ. He’s one of the few players on the Nets who’s been fairly consistent on defense, which the team as a whole has lacked.

TJ Porreca: The Nets have struggled defensively this season, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is one of Brooklyn’s best defenders. Hollis-Jefferson is just 22 years-old, and while his offensive skill set has not yet caught up to that of his defensive ability, it’s too early to write Hollis-Jefferson off.

However, with that said, the Nets should listen to any and all offers for Hollis-Jefferson, and other players for that matter. The Nets are in a rebuild. The only thing more difficult than trying to rebuild a franchise is the task of having to do so without draft picks. If the Nets could get a first round pick in exchange for Hollis-Jefferson, they should strongly consider it. If the Nets don’t receive an offer to their liking, Hollis-Jefferson can stick in Brooklyn as a potential piece for the future.

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Matt Pisani: Trading RHJ would be a huge mistake. He has had his issues offensively, especially in the restricted area this season but he has improved. Actually, since the rumors started, RHJ has been a beast. He has been driving to the hoop and finishing. He is grabbing rebounds and passing the ball efficiently. On top of that, we cannot forget his defensive abilities. Brooklyn is abysmal on defense this year so why would they get rid of the one player that knows what he is doing on the defensive side of the ball.

He is still young and only played 29 games last season. Let the kid develop and learn some more. The flashes of potential we have seen are not worth trading him for a second round pick or a mediocre role player.

Charles Daye: It depends on what the return is. If the Nets can get one or two lottery picks, then possibly. If it is just for a role player and/or a second round pick I would consider it a mistake. Hollis-Jefferson has a broken shot, but makes up for it with hustle plays and scoring in transition. He is also one of the Nets best defensive players, for whatever that’s worth (9 wins as of this writing).

I like RHJ, and especially how he and LeVert work together on the floor. He would not be my first choice to ship out, but if he has to be attached so the Nets can get multiple first rounders, then we might have to see one of the fan favorites go.