3. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson’s trade value is tricky. One on hand, Hollis-Jefferson is an elite athlete that can defend almost anyone you put in front of him. On the other hand, his offensive game is limited and he is not a very good shooter.
Hollis-Jefferson is just 22. He has plenty of room to grow. As of right now, however, his upside is limited because of his broken jumper.
The right shooting coach may yet fix his mechanics. Andre Roberson, who also has an awkward release, was able to up his 3-point efficiency to 41 percent during these past playoffs after shooting just 24 percent during the regular season.
Hollis-Jefferson shot worse than that but offers a similar defense-first skill set. Hollis-Jefferson is actually a better athlete and may hold more potential than Roberson, who just inked a contract worth $30 million over three years.
If Hollis-Jefferson amounts to just a role player, he performs his role to perfection. He averaged six rebounds per game as a small forward/small-ball power forward this season. That he could defend the 3 and 4 spots (and most guards as well) shows how versatile he is in a league that is increasingly putting an emphasis on versatility.
The Nets may be able to get a good return for Hollis-Jefferson, or could use him as a key piece in a trade to acquire a fringe star. It is worth exploring for Brooklyn eventually. The team may have found his short-term replacement in DeMarre Carroll.