John Hammond said he would do whatever it takes to improve the Milwaukee Bucks.

Thursday, he took a step in that direction.

The new general manager sent disappointing small forward Bobby Simmons along with last year's first-round draft pick, Yi Jianlian, to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for Richard Jefferson.

A nine-year veteran, Jefferson averaged a career-high 22.6 points last season, while starting all 82 games. He also added 4.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game and finished the season with 1,857 points.

"Richard Jefferson is a hard-working, proven, dynamic performer at the forward position," said Hammond in a release issued by the team. "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."

By dealing Simmons, Hammond shed one of the most unproductive and highest-paid players from the Bucks' roster. Signed prior to the 2005 season to a five-year, $47 million contract, the 6-2, 230-pound forward never lived up to the billing. In two full seasons with the Bucks -- he sat out the 2006-'07 season with an injury -- Simmons averaged 10.6 points and 3.9 rebounds.

The inclusion of Jianlian was somewhat surprising, considering the lengths Milwaukee went to signing the Chinese star after selecting him sixth overall last season. A prolonged negotiation finally came to a conclusion when owner Herb Kohl traveled to China to meet with the player and his representatives.

The seven-footer appeared in 66 games this season, averaging 8.6 points and 5.2 boards a game. His finished ninth among rookies in scoring and fifth in rebounding and was the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month in December. He hit a wall down the stretch, and his productivity fell off.

"We certainly want to thank Bobby and Yi for their contributions to our organization," said Hammond. "Although my time with them in Milwaukee was limited, I know both are talented players with many good years ahead of them in the NBA. We wish both of them well in New Jersey."

The Nets pick up the remaining balance of Simmons' salary -- nearly $20 million. Jefferson has three years and just over $40 million remaining on his contract and earns $13.2 million in 2008-'09.