This is not a terrible idea if it's even possible to pry that Lakers' pick away from Phoenix. It seems to me, however, that Len is another Zeller, a center with some ability but ultimately a backup for a deep playoff team. If we're going to move Rondo, let's get a rim protector that is a long term solution at center. Jennings is just filler in this trade. The Lakers will probably do this right and wind up with their own pick by finishing with a really terrible record, maybe second to Philadelphia. Detroit will probably devalue their pick with Rondo's insertion into the lineup and Smith will be a full time power forward. I wish that this deal had more certainty about the picks. I could go either way on this trade. Interesting proposal.
Good post. Much better than the "Jennings in green? No way!" posts, even though we had similar gunners in the past (Robinson, Crawford), have one presently (Thornton), and reportedly had interest in similar type players in the past (Jamal Crawford, Nick Young). Not like I'm clamoring for Jennings to be an integral part of our team for the future.
C's...Len's floor is probably Zeller. However, he's really making strides and the argument could be made that he's a superior player right now.
Pistons...Yes, Rondo could catapult them into the playoffs. There risk, like ours, is Rondo bolting in free agency.
Suns...there is risk for them certainly, just like with us. The Lakers could very well end of keeping the pick, the Suns miss out on the playoffs, Dragic goes elsewhere (unlike Lowry for example) in order to start making the playoffs, they have to wait until 2016 to acquire the Lakers pick and wait a couple of years thereafter for that player to improve, and Len doesn't develop any better than Zeller.
As with all trades, there is a certain amount of risk for all teams. That said, the trade is solid for all the teams as to where they currently stand in their respective contention/rebuilding process. The Suns and Pistons are both probably a player away from the playoffs. Conversely, we're still a couple of years away from contending and losing Rondo for nothing could set us back a few years more.