Should the Philadelphia 76ers buy low on J.J. Redick?
With the New Orleans Pelicans already in the express lane to another lottery appearance, a fire sale may be brewing. Rumor has it Lonzo Ball and J.J. Redick are on the market, while other names — most likely Eric Bledsoe — could soon join them. Ball and Bledsoe may spark fun theoretical dialogue, but the Philadelphia 76ers’ interest (if any) probably lies in Redick.
The Sixers and Redick have a good history together, with Redick putting together the two best seasons of his career in Philadelphia. While the coach who unlocked the full array of Redick’s talent is no longer here, Redick’s most productive on-court partner still is. Joel Embiid’s chemistry with Redick oozed off the screen, and pairing the MVP frontrunner with his favorite sharpshooter would have obvious benefits.
The main hurdle in a Redick reunion is his contract. The 36-year-old (verging on 37) is making $13 million this season, and his basketball mortality is in full view. Redick is shooting a career-low 33.3 percent from the field and 30.0 percent from deep in 15 games this season. While regression to the mean feels inevitable, it is clear Redick’s legs are starting to leave him.
Relying on Redick in the postseason was a risky proposition two years ago, but he made it work. One cannot have the same confidence now, even if Redick’s shooting gravity would have pronounced benefits in place of Furkan Korkmaz or Matisse Thybulle.
He is making a lot of money, and even though it’s expiring, the Sixers would need to give up multiple contracts to make the deal work. It would take several moving parts — parts Daryl Morey might want to keep in his back pocket for a different, more future-oriented trade.
Simply put, Redick is not an upgrade over Danny Green, even as Green struggles defensively. Redick would come off the bench, and with Seth Curry healthy, Shake Milton blossoming, and Tyrese Maxey lurking in the shadows, it’s fair to question whether giving significant minutes to Redick is the best allocation of resources.
Odds are Redick would find new life in Philadelphia, where he has a well-established relationship with the team’s stars and where open 3-pointers are common. He is one of the best shooters in league history, and even with age, one should expect his shot to return to form.
If a trade were to happen, the basic framework probably falls along these lines.
- PHI gets: J.J. Redick, Willy Hernangomez
- NOP gets: Mike Scott, Terrance Ferguson, Tony Bradley
The Sixers would probably need to include draft compensation, as other teams will surely take interest in Redick. His contract will limit suitors, but teams like Boston — with big trade exceptions — could make a run. I would personally hesitate to give up anything beyond a couple second-rounders for Redick, even with his exceptional track record in Sixerland.
In short, of course Philadelphia should have interest in Redick. That interest, however, should have caveats, most of them revolving around the potential for a more desirable return elsewhere on the trade market. If other options dry up and Redick is still primed and waiting, however, Morey should certainly pick up the phone.