In the wake of Chris Paul‘s departure from Los Angeles, J.J. Redick will reportedly sign elsewhere this offseason. The Philadelphia 76ers could be an ideal landing spot for the sharpshooter.
As the highly anticipated July 1 date fast approaches marking the begin of free agency, various NBA teams are looking to retain their stars. One of the most coveted free agents-to-be was Chris Paul, but after a reported trade between the Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets Wednesday morning, Paul is no longer scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Per Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, Paul opted into his $24.2 million player option, delaying his free agency until after next season and allowing the Clippers to move their star point guard for other assets.
After Chris Paul agreed to opt-in on contract, Clippers are trading All-Star guard to the Houston Rockets, league sources tell @TheVertical
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2017
Houston will reportedly send Lou Williams, Sam Dekker, Montrezl Harrell, Patrick Beverley and a 2018 first-round pick in the trade.
Paul’s departure ends the “Lob City” era in Los Angeles. Blake Griffin is likely headed elsewhere this offseason, despite Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times reporting the Clippers’ desire to retain the five-time All-Star.
The Clippers now believe this clear the way for team to sign Blake Griffin, per source
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) June 28, 2017
As the Clippers likely embark upon a rebuild, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has reported that J.J. Redick will not re-sign with the team.
J.J. Redick won't be re-signing with the L.A. Clippers. (Via Brian Windhorst - ESPN)
— Clevis Murray (@ClevisMurray) June 28, 2017
The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the many potential suitors for Redick this summer. Redick’s addition to the Sixers would round out the team’s starting backcourt with Markelle Fultz, providing solid defense and some much-needed 3-point shooting. Last season, the former Duke standout shot 42.9 percent from behind the 3-point line.
Related Story: The Sixers Should Target J.J. Redick In Free Agency
Redick is likely to command $18-20 million on the open market, an amount comfortably within the Sixers’ budget, who sport just under $49 million in cap space this summer.
Philadelphia is not alone in their pursuit of the shooting guard. According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Brooklyn Nets are also looking to land Redick this offseason.
“Multiple league sources I’ve spoken to expect the Sixers and Nets to make a hard push at Redick,” wrote O’Connor in a recent article.
While Redick has yet to show any reported interest in either team, his plans to leave Los Angeles bode well for the Sixers’ chances of adding the 6-foot-4 guard.
Update:
DeAndre Liggins, Darrun Hilliard, Kyle Wiltjer, $661K and a first round pick have been sent to the Clippers as well.
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