Milwaukee sends Yi, Simmons to New Jersey for Jefferson

Source: Agencies  |   2008-6-27  |     ONLINE EDITION

THE Milwaukee Bucks traded forwards Yi Jianlian of China and Bobby Simmons to the New Jersey Nets for forward Richard Jefferson yesterday hours before the National Basketball Association draft.

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 sixth selection in last year's draft along with the rest of Simmons' contract. Simmons has two years and a little more than US$20 million left on his deal.

Harris was let go in March, and new general manager John Hammond is looking to fill several spots as the team tumbled to a 26-56 finish. 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."

The Nets get room under the salary cap and rid themselves a large contract, too. Jefferson, the second leading scorer in Nets history, averaged 22.6 points last season and has three years and more than US$42 million left on his contract.

Yi could also develop into a powerful presence, and finally gets to go to a major city with a large Chinese population and more marketing opportunities.

"We feel that Yi can be a very special player," Nets president Rod Thorn said. "He is a 20-year old 7-footer who shoots the ball extremely well, and he is an excellent addition to our frontcourt."

Yi took his time signing with Milwaukee after being selected in last year's draft and wasn't swayed to join Milwaukee until a contingent that included owner and US Sen. Herb Kohl traveled to China to complete the deal.