According to Shams at The Atlantic, the New Orleans Pelicans are interested in trading JJ Redick and Lonzo Ball. Last week I wrote about Ball being traded, so today I want to focus on Redick, and his possible departure from New Orleans.
For those unaware, JJ Redick is one of the league’s greatest three-point shooters of all-time. For his entire career of over 15 years, he has shot over 41% from deep, and 44% from the field. For his entire career, with the exception of last year, he has been in the post-season. Redick has played on some talented teams: he played in the Finals with Orlando, he played on the “Lob City” Clippers, and the 76ers team he was on was slated to go to the Finals both years he was there. When he made it to New Orleans, there were high hopes that he would continue his streak of a post-season berth, and for good reason. Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and a fun, fast paced offense to lead the Pelicans to the playoffs for the first time without Anthony Davis.
For whatever reason, the Pelicans have not made it over the hump. Last season, Zion Williamson was hurt for the majority of the year, and they just missed the playoffs. This year? I’m not sure what the reason is. I’ve watched a few Pelicans’ games, and it seems like they have all the talent to get the job done and win games, but they sit at 6-10, and 14th in the Western Conference. I’m not sure what the actual issue is, but it is clear that there are moves to be made. I, personally, would try and trade for a ready-made star to help this young core, but according to the reports, the Pelicans are just reloading for the future. If they are doing that, it makes sense for the team to be shopping Redick. He deserves to be sent to a contender, and he doesn’t fit the Pelicans’ young core time-line. So where to?
Miami Heat
For those who listen to the Old Man and the Three podcast, it is no secret that JJ is a fan of the Miami Heat. He’s close friends with Jimmy Butler, he’s a business partner with Duncan Robinson, and he’s been on record multiple times stating how much he loves Heat Culture. The Heat are in a bit of a slump right now, sitting at 6-11, and are in need of some offense. Hard to believe that a team with Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and Duncan Robinson would need offense, but here we are. Now, Butler and Herro have been out due to COVID-19 protocol, so take their record over the past two weeks with a grain of salt, but they do need more shooting and scoring on their roster.
They’d probably have to deal their first round pick this year, and maybe some second round picks, along with younger players like Gabe Vincent, but overall I think this is the correct move to make. With the constant Bradly Beal rumors swirling around, it would make sense that the Heat would try to make a big splash and go for him, but I think the price tag is a bit too high. Let’s not forget that the Heat made it to the Finals last year, so I think it would be in the Heat’s best interest to add more solid role players, and that is exactly what Redick is. Both parties win this trade: the Pelicans get some draft capital, and the Heat get a steady shooting hand.
Boston Celtics
Please. I’m begging you. If the Basketball Gods are listening, please. I’ll do anything. I’ve been a fan of JJ Redick since his Duke days, and all I’ve wanted was to see him in Kelly Green. I would have preferred to see him a few years ago, and the height of his powers, but I’ll take role-player JJ any day. The Celtics have had a problem with their bench production for…. as long as I can remember, and this year isn’t any different. If the Celtics were able to find some consistent scoring from players not named Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Kemba Walker, we’d be in a much better place to have post-season success. Redick could play the same role that he has thus far in New Orleans, and the Pelicans can get back a lot of draft capital. I personally wouldn’t offer more than one first round pick, and I’d give all the second round picks it takes to get the deal done. We’d have to use some of the Gordon Hayward trade exception, but with JJ’s salary, we’d be able to have some left over to make another move for a player.
Los Angeles Clippers
Look. I know it sounds weird. I know it would be weird to see JJ back in a Clippers jersey, but I think the Clippers need a player like JJ to get over the hump. Yes, they have Luke Kennard. Yes, they have Serge Ibaka. Yes, they have good role players, but when it comes to your bench, more is more. The Clippers, barring catastrophic injuries, are going to make the playoffs, and they’re going to be a top 3 seed in the West. Why not bolster your bench scoring with a guy of JJ’s talent? You could stagger the minutes and always have a good shooter on the floor with Kawhi or Paul George. The Clippers don’t have much draft capital, but they can send away some expiring contracts for the Pelicans to make a move in free agency.
Round The Game 
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