Celtics

Celtics are reportedly among teams the Pelicans are considering in JJ Redick trade

The Pelicans are reportedly focused on trading Redick to a team in the northeast.

By Conor Roche

January 31, 2021

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The Celtics could soon be getting some help.

The New Orleans Pelicans are focused on trading sharpshooting guard JJ Redick to a team in the northeast, including the Celtics, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported. Redick, who resides in Brooklyn, is “believed to have a strong preference” in playing in the northeast as the 76ers and Nets are also contenders to acquire him, according to Charania.

If the Celtics do wish to trade for Redick, there are multiple avenues in which they could acquire him. With Redick making $13 million this season, the Celtics can use part of their $28.5 million trade exception to acquire him without giving up a player.

The Celtics don’t necessarily have to use their trade exception to get Redick. They can combine a few players with smaller salaries to make the trade. If the Celtics opted to go that route, they would preserve their trade exception to potentially use it to get a player with a bigger salary down the line.

Redick would be a much-needed addition to the Celtics’ bench. In 18 games, Boston’s bench is averaging 33.6 points per game, placing them at 23rd in the league in bench scoring. While Redick’s averaging only 7.9 points in 16 games this season, he averaged 15.3 points per game last season and 18.3 points per game the year prior with the 76ers. Redick also ranks as one of the top 3-point shooters in league history, ranking 15th all-time with 1,909 3-pointers made over his 15-year career.

The Pelicans haven’t played Redick over their last two games, listing him as “Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision.” Such a move would suggest that a trade is on the horizon. While Charania reports a trade isn’t imminent, getting a deal done in the next few days could be beneficial for both sides. If a player is traded by Feb. 2, they can again be traded before the March 25 trade deadline.