MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Bucks traded forwards Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons to the New Jersey Nets for forward Richard Jefferson today hours before the 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 No. 6 pick last year along with the rest of Simmons' contract. Simmons has two years and a little more than $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 cap room 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 $42 million left on his contract.

"I want to thank Richard for his contributions to the Nets over the past seven years," Nets president Rod Thorn said. "He always conducted himself in a professional manner, and we wish him only the best for the remainder of his career."

The move continues the rebuilding of the franchise in the post-Jason Kidd era and puts New Jersey in position to be a major player in 2010 offseason, which is expected to include a bumper crop of free agents.

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," 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 U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl traveled to China to complete the deal.

Yi made 49 starts and played in 66 games, averaging 8.6 points and 5.2 rebounds. He vied with Charlie Villanueva for playing time.

Simmons never lived up to a five-year, $47 million contract he signed in the offseason after being honored as the NBA's Most Improved Player in 2005. After a tough first year adjusting, he missed all the 2006-07 season with ankle and foot injuries and averaged just 7.6 points in 70 games.

"He's greatly appreciative of everything the Bucks have done for him. They gave him a terrific contract, a great opportunity. He's had some injuries, which have been really unfortunate," Simmons' agent, Mark Bartelstein, said. "In tough times, you need a fresh start to kind of change your luck."

The Bucks' projected starting lineup looks much clearer now with Mo Williams at the point, Michael Redd at shooting guard, Jefferson and Villanueva at forward and Andrew Bogut, the No. 1 pick in 2005, at center.