The Sixer Sense
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J.J. Redick almost signed with the Pacers

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 3: JJ Redick #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 3, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 - NOVEMBER 3: JJ Redick #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 3, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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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In his most recent podcast, J.J. Redick revealed his near departure from the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Philadelphia 76ers will most likely start the regular season with the same starting five as last season: Ben Simmons, J.J. Redick, Robert Covington, Dario Saric and Joel Embiid. Running it back with the same group that won 52 games and made it to the conference semifinals.

That almost didn’t happen, though. In the most recent J.J. Redick Podcast, the Sixers’ sharpshooter had this to say about his free agency decision:

"“I almost signed with Indy. I was an hour away, two hours away, I was very close. I had a 5:00 PM deadline… it was 12:30, 1:00 in the afternoon when Philly changed the offer… I had a whole conversation with Nate McMillan…”More from RumorsGrade the Trade: 76ers swap Tobias Harris for superstar PG in mock deal76ers: Grading 4 Knicks trade packages for Joel Embiid from trash to cashGrade the Trade: 76ers snag MVP candidate in this blockbuster proposalGrade the Trade: 76ers land new franchise centerpiece in wild proposalNBA analyst expects the 76ers to go after LeBron James in 2024"

"“I had a similar mindset to DeMarcus going into free agency… if your incumbent team doesn’t offer, you need to go get an offer.” — The J.J. Redick Podcast"

There are plenty of interesting layers to this. Had Redick signed with the Pacers, that might have kept Tyreke Evans on the market. He was someone many Sixers fans called for, myself included. The Pacers are another wildcard contender in the East as well.

Redick went on to mention that playing near his home (Brooklyn) isn’t the end-all, be-all when it comes to signing a contract. He prioritizes playing with a group of players and coaches that he enjoys being around, noting that his offseason can be spent in New York.

Last season, Redick made it clear that he wanted to finish his career with the Sixers. Many thought that would mean a hometown discount. While he did eventually re-sign with Philly, that wouldn’t have happened without a bigger contract.

As long as he’s playing at a high level, that could be a common theme over the next few years. Redick, rightfully so, is still prioritizing financial stability.

For reasons that don’t need explaining, keeping Redick was important for the Sixers. Averaging 17.1 points per game, he was their second-leading scorer last season. A large chunk of Brett Brown’s offensive sets involve Redick, whether it be running around screens or setting the screen.

His shooting is invaluable next to Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, two unique stars who need shooters around them. In short, losing Redick would have been a major blow to the Sixers’ competitive status in the East. That isn’t hyperbole.

Next. Our most recent Sixers mailbag. dark

We’ll see what the 2018-19 season, and next summer, has to offer.