Detroit Pistons trade rumors 2016: Brandon Jennings must not be dealt to other teams

Brandon JenningsReuters

As the trade deadline nears, no significant move has been made yet and the Detroit Pistons, despite being involved in rumors because of point guard Brandon Jennings, must not part ways with the veteran. 

Since returning from an injury, Jennings was linked to a number of teams, especially the New York Knicks, who are looking for backcourt help. 

But in a report by Sports Illustrated's Fansided (Detroit Jock City), reasons why Jennings must not be traded were listed.

First, the Pistons need a point guard who can play when starter Reggie Jackson is sitting on the bench, and that job belongs to Jennings. 

The Pistons have veteran Steve Blake and second year playmaker Spencer Dinwiddie, but none of them are like Jennings, who has proven before that he can score, is explosive, and is an efficient court general for the team.

Before getting injured last season, the 26-year-old player was the starting point guard of the Pistons. 

In his return, Jennings is averaging 7.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 17.4 minutes of action per contest. 

Jennings also provides an option for Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy to play him alongside Jackson, which will provide more rest to forward Kentavious Caldwell-Pope who is playing the third-most minutes in the league this season, the report added. 

The report also mentioned that even if the Pistons would be willing to trade Jennings, the Knicks does not have the "assets" to cover up the loss Detroit would have if the veteran playmaker heads to New York. 

Jennings is slowly finding his rhythm coming from an injury, and is starting to again be significant for the team from Motor City. 

The Pistons are proving this season they are contenders and are even holding a win over the Golden State Warriors. 

Detroit is currently sixth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 23–20 record, eight games behind the leaders Cleveland Cavaliers (30–11).