The New Orleans Pelicans are at the center of trade rumors again, this time for veteran sharpshooter J.J. Redick.
Redick has not played in the last two games and there has been speculation that he might be traded very soon.
This speculation grew today as Shams Charania tweeted that the Pelicans preferred to deal Redick to a team in the East:
Sources: The Pelicans are focusing on northeast teams — 76ers, Nets, Celtics — as potential trade destination for 15-year veteran JJ Redick.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 31, 2021
Details: https://t.co/vqZWaVlKXA
This makes sense, as all three would love to add Redick’s theoretical shooting, even though he has shot the ball poorly all season.
But what could the New Orleans Pelicans get from each team? We ranked some potential trade packages for J.J. Redick.
New Orleans Pelicans: A trade for J.J. Redick to the Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn trade assets: Nicolas Claxton, 2021 2nd Round Picks
I see the Brooklyn Nets as the least attractive and also the least likely trade to happen. Now that they moved Taurean Prince, they don’t really have the contract to match up with Redick without including 3-4 players.
The Pelicans might have some interest in Claxton or multiple 2021 second-round picks, but this would likely require a third team or the Nets being willing to go into the luxury tax for Redick, which doesn’t seem likely.
If the Nets think he can help them win a title this year, then they might not care about the tax, in which case, Nicolas Claxton and a 2nd-round pick wouldn’t be a bad haul.
New Orleans Pelicans: Trade for J.J. Redick to the Boston Celtics
Boston trade assets: Semi Ojeleye, Robert Williams, Grant Williams, Future 2nd Round Pick
The Boston Celtics aren’t going to give up any of their core of young talent for Redick, so again, it might take a third team to get it done.
The Celtics do have a trio of big men that the Pelicans might take a look at in Ojeleye and the two Williams, as they have zero forward depth and these three could be an improvement over Nicolo Melli or worth trying to develop.
The Celtics also have a 2021 2nd-round pick from OKC but it is protected and not very valuable.
This one doesn’t make a whole lot of sense for the Pelicans unless they like one of Boston’s young guys who is currently out of the rotation.
It might be worth taking a risk considering that Redick is on the final year of his deal and not part of the long-term plans at this point.
If the Pels could get one or more of these young projects and a 2nd-round pick, they’d probably consider it.
New Orleans Pelicans: A trade sending J.J. Redick to the Philadelphia 76ers
76ers trade assets: Matisse Thybulle, 2021 2nd-Round Pick
In my opinion, the New Orleans Pelicans might get the best deal from the Philadelphia 76ers, as they have a couple of movable contracts, a young player and 2nd-round picks.
Could the Pelicans pry Matisse Thybulle away for J.J. Redick? Thybulle currently plays about 15 minutes a night, doesn’t score much but has flashed elite defense at times.
He is only 23 and would be a nice defender to pair with some of their other talent on the perimeter.
The 76ers might balk at giving him up for a half season of Redick but they need outside shooting and Redick can potentially provide it. The 76ers are the best team in the East right now and want to win a title this season.
If they don’t see Thybulle as part of the long-term plans then the Pels might be able to get a guy young prospect player.
These don’t seem like the best trade partners for Redick but few teams really want or need him. The Pelicans aren’t likely to get a first-round pick for him so they might be happy with a project player or multiple second-rounders.