NBN Roundtable: Trade Deadline Edition

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

Christian Milcos: This is a question I go back and forth on every day. RHJ still has time to develop as a player as he is only in his early 20’s. He has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly recently where he has been more aggressive on both sides of the ball and appears to have a newfound confidence in his ability to take the ball to rim.

On the other hand, Hollis-Jefferson is a very flawed player. He has not made a three since December 22, and is shooting 21 percent from behind the arc this season. This could turn out to be very problematic as Kenny Atkinson has made it abundantly clear that three-point shooting is of high value in the offensive system he plans to run.

While there is a case to be made for trading him, I would say it’s a mistake at the moment. Perhaps recency bias plays a factor but his raw athleticism and flashes of brilliancy on defense still make me optimistic about his future in the league. RHJ simply deserves more time to develop prove his worth before Sean Marks pulls the trigger on a potential trade involving the 6’7″ swing-man. 

Tyler Dencker: Short-term, it would be a mistake. The Nets may not be satisfied with his production so far, but all things considered, whose production ARE they satisfied with? They are 9-39, and there isn’t a ton of supporting cast for any player on the team at the moment. Hollis-Jefferson needs more time to develop with his teammates, and especially with a player like Jeremy Lin. Maybe the Nets will regret not trading him in the future, but they would regret it even more if they did trade him and he turned out to be a star. Keep Hollis-Jefferson.

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Max Prinz: It would be a mistake, unless it returns multiple first round picks. Hollis-Jefferson, in just his second season, is on the friendliest of contracts given the modern CBA and still has potential. His shot looks close to unfixable, but his defense and athleticism will make it easy for his coach to find him minutes. 

Plus, under a first-year coach and GM this season, the Nets are working to establish a culture for the future. The easiest way to do that is with young players devoid of bad habits. Trading a young player just because there are flaws in his game is a bad cycle that becomes repeatable all too easily. The Nets should focus on developing RHJ and let him stretch his game this season. 

Alex Cuesta: An interesting conversation is whether the Nets should trade one of their young up-and-comers, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. He is still finding his game in the NBA, but plays stellar defense and constantly hustles on both sides of the floor. What Hollis-Jefferson lacks is NBA level offensive ability, which hurts his trade value. He has a below average jump shot and can be turnover prone. But a jumper can be developed and he his natural athletic ability, allowing him to be a big-time finisher at the rim. 

The Nets should only make a deal for a first round pick for Hollis-Jefferson because he has the potential to be a very good player. A team may be interested in taking a chance on a player like Hollis-Jefferson because of his age and cheap rookie contract. If there isn’t a team willing to give up a first rounder, the consolation of keeping him around isn’t that bad either.