The Sixer Sense
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How to approach the J.J. Redick situation moving forward

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 8: J.J. Redick #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers dribbles around screen set by DeAndre Jordan #6 on Nik Stauskas #11 of the Philadelphia 76ers on February 8, 2016 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Clippers defeated the 76ers 98-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 8: J.J. Redick #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers dribbles around screen set by DeAndre Jordan #6 on Nik Stauskas #11 of the Philadelphia 76ers on February 8, 2016 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Clippers defeated the 76ers 98-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Despite signing onto a one-year deal, J.J. Redick seems motivated to remain with the Philadelphia 76ers long term. How can the two sides make that work?

The offseason was tough on J.J. Redick. With his family moving to Brooklyn, legitimate discontent in Los Angeles and a vague uncertainty surrounding his future, he was in search of a destination that balanced the two things he cared about most: family and comfort.

Redick had his sights set on the Philadelphia 76ers early in the free agency process. The team was relatively close to his new home in the Big Apple, while the ability to mentor a young group that’s gunning for the playoffs appealed to him as he looks to embark on the next chapter of his career. He also wanted to join a strong culture, with a group of teammates who he’d be comfortable playing with.

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After considering all factors, the Sixers seemed like a no-brainer — even with just a one-year offer on the table. He’s happy to join the team, and the team seems thrilled to have him on board.

Now, we need to figure out the logistics of this partnership moving forward.

As Redick said during his debut on Uninterrupted, things in the NBA can change quickly. There’s little certainty as to what one’s desires will be a year later, and that holds true with Redick’s impending free agency decision next season.

But he also said repeatedly that he didn’t enjoy the offseason. It was a stressful period with low points and conflicts that he’d likely want to avoid moving forward. With his family now settled, moving again doesn’t appear to be an option. He wants to stick with the team long term, and the one-year deal was likely seen as a segue into committing to the relationship for what may be the remainder of Redick’s career.

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The goal with Redick’s contract this year was obvious — to get paid. It’s not often that an NBA player is able to cash in a $23 million check in one year, much less your typical everyday joe. Redick mentioned the importance of providing a quality life for his wife and his kids, and securing his payday was an important part of that.

Ideally, should Redick look to remain with the team moving forward, this year marks the end of his massive paydays. He’ll still get paid somewhere around market value, but seeking out $20 million-plus contracts probably won’t be a viable route forward for the aging swingman.

Philadelphia is going to need to commit more money to their core in the coming years, which means holding onto Redick could present some problems. If he’s commanding a significant chunk of cash, the Sixers may be forced to move on — regardless of whether or not Redick wants to or not.

There’s undeniable value in Redick’s game, and it’s value that should have longevity as his career winds down. Knockdown shooting doesn’t go away, and as long as he’s capable of moving around screens and finding his spots on the floor, he should be able to produce for a Sixers team that needs shooting around it’s core.

The fine line between finding value and overpaying for his services, however, will only get finer in the coming years. As the core becomes more expensive, their budget for putting a sustainable second unit behind them will only get slimmer. They can’t afford to pay out large sums of money to Redick if that means compromising depth elsewhere in the rotation.

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It then, in many ways, comes down to the development of their younger talents as well. If Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot continues his growth on both ends and Furkan Korkmaz becomes a knockdown shooter in his own right, the reasoning behind keeping Redick on board would boil down almost entirely to his presence off the court.

That decreases his value, and would in turn decrease the amount Philadelphia would be willing to risk in order to retain him.

Redick will likely be able to stave off the veteran’s minimum for a couple more seasons, as shooters of his caliber hold extended value in today’s NBA — as we saw with Kyle Korver‘s recent extension. The big money contracts are likely over, though, which is essentially a prerequisite to staying with the Sixers long term.

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Redick is settling down, as is his career. Affordability seems to be the direction he’s trending, and that could be what’s best for both the team and him personally. He has a chance to play with a young team full of guys who make the game fun. That’s what much of this about, and Redick seems capable of embracing that more than most aging vets.