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What's the rumor?
After taking Zion Williamson with the first pick of the 2019 Draft, the New Orleans Pelicans landed Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart in the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to Los Angeles. The Pelicans also spent significant money to bring in JJ Redick as they looked to contend for a playoff spot in the West.
However, the Pelicans have been ravaged by injuries over the past month, and a 4-9 start to the campaign is a huge disappointment. With a playoff appearance already seemingly out of the question, Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report believes that the Pelicans could look to offload some of their veteran talents such as Redick:
If it becomes clear New Orleans isn't going to qualify, it might look to move some of the veterans on the roster for assets and more prospects... Toronto could hedge against that possibility by adding a veteran floor-spacer like Redick. His presence beyond the three-point line would open things up inside for Siakam, Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka.
In case you didn't know...
Since being selected with the 11th pick of the 2005 draft, Redick has enjoyed spells with the Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, LA Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers. His time with the Sixers was particularly impressive, and during the 2019-19 season, Redick averaged a career-high in points (18.1), while also shooting 40% from three-point range.
He headed to New Orleans on a two-year, $26.5 million deal over the summer, and is averaging 13.8 points and 2.1 rebounds through 12 appearances.
The heart of the matter
At 35, Redick's timeline doesn't fit with a young Pelicans roster, although the veteran still holds plenty of trade value due to his status as one of the NBA's best three-point shooters. Due to this, it makes sense for the Pelicans to move him to a contending team, and they should be able to get a decent return as teams become increasingly desperate ahead of the trade deadline.
What's next?
The Pelicans will be hoping to pick up a win tonight as they take on the struggling Portland Trail Blazers.
