As the NBA trade deadline approaches, Pelicans shooting guard JJ Redick has become of one the most coveted names for teams contenting for a title.
Redick’s three-point shooting and veteran leadership will become an asset for any team that’s able to acquire him. At 36 years-old, Redick is rumored to be dealt to a team that’s able to give him his first championship ring before he retires.
Redick’s Pelicans are currently out of a playoff spot and seem too inexperienced to compete for a title this season, so it’s no surprise that they are shopping him around.
One of the teams that are rumored to acquire Redick are the Brooklyn Nets, who have won 10 of their last 11 games and own the second-best record in the Eastern Conference.
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A trade package featuring Spencer Dinwiddie and the Atlanta Hawks’ 2021 second-round pick could be a compelling offering to the Pelicans in exchange for JJ Redick.
This trade gives Redick an opportunity to see some more minutes off the bench, especially since the Nets are slated to make a deep run into the playoffs led by Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and newly-acquired James Harden. This season, Redick has averaged 18.2 minutes and 6.6 shot attempts per game, which is his lowest since the 2008-09 season, his third season in the league. The trade would also make Redick closer with his family, who live in Brooklyn and are not with him in New Orleans this season.
Trading Redick would also give a young Pelicans team an opportunity showcase its others guards like Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kira Lewis.
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In this hypothetical trade, the Pelicans would be acquiring Spencer Dinwiddie and a second round pick in return for Redick. Dinwiddie is out for the season after tearing his ACL in December. However, Dinwiddie could be a solid piece for a rising Pelicans team. Last season, Dinwiddie averaged 20.6 points per game in 64 games for the Nets. Even if Dinwiddie wasn’t injured, he would struggle to get playing time in a crowded Nets’ lineup, so it’s not surprising he’s being included in trade rumors.
Many teams have been able to win championships due to their aggressiveness in trading for players that make their rosters stronger. Redick’s three-point shooting and experience could be what gets the star-studded Nets over the top this season.