It’s becoming increasingly likely that New Orleans Pelicans guard JJ Redick is going to be traded sooner rather than later, but where he will end up remains to be seen.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania recently reported that the Pelicans were “focused” on the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers as potential trade partners for the veteran sharpshooter. Redick would prefer to play in the northeast, as his family currently lives in Brooklyn, according to Charania’s report.
So, would this make any sense for the Celtics? Yes, they need some reinforcements, but is 36-year-old JJ Redick the answer?
It’s important to note that out of the aforementioned group, Boston has the easiest path to acquiring Redick (if it wanted to do so). The Celtics can use their traded player exception to acquire Redick’s expiring salary, meaning they would only have to cough up draft capital and most likely waive Javonte Green. Of course, the Pelicans would probably ask for more than Boston is willing to part with right off the bat, but even a second-round pick is a relatively appealing return for New Orleans, considering they would acquire a trade exception of their own from Boston.
More importantly, Redick is a definite buyout candidate if the Pelicans can’t get a trade done, meaning that these teams could have a shot at him in that market if they decide to wait it out instead of parting with draft assets. If New Orleans sees this heading in that direction, though, will David Griffin simply prefer to acquire a traded player exception rather than buying Redick out? If Boston is willing, that might make sense for the Pelicans.
As for the Celtics’ on-court needs, I’m not convinced Redick is what Boston should be looking for. Sure, adding a floor-spacing shooter on the wing would help the depth issue, however Redick hasn’t been much of a threat at all this season. He’s shooting just 29.8% from deep and 33.6% from the field through 16 games, both of which are well below his career shooting averages.
This statement feels perpetually true, but Boston could use a big, versatile wing who can defend multiple spots. Redick certainly doesn’t fill that need. He’s struggled defensively for large portions of his career, and he can’t guard bigger opponents. At this stage of his NBA life, he’s unable to stick with most guards too, and that’s an issue.
Brad Stevens has constantly criticized Boston’s defense through 19 games this season. When the Celtics were forced into a zone against the San Antonio Spurs last week, Stevens said the move was because his team “couldn’t stop a nose bleed.” It hasn’t been pretty on that side of the floor. A two-way wing can help that problem — Redick will not.
Redick just does not fill what the Celtics need right now. If he straightens out his shooting woes, he’d become a valuable asset on the offensive end as a floor spacer, but he doesn’t help any of Boston’s defensive issues. Danny Ainge knows his team needs additional depth, but there likely will be better opportunities to use that traded player exception as the deadline nears. Jumping for Redick now does not fix this team.
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February 03, 2021 at 06:00PM
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Why The Boston Celtics Should Not Trade For JJ Redick - Forbes
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