Trade Watch: J.J. Redick and the Orlando Magic

After trading Dwight Howard this past offseason, the Orlando Magic have been in full rebuilding mode. The team has several promising rookies and young players that they hope will eventually turn into major contributors. But right now, they’re easily one of the five worst teams in the league (currently on an 11-game losing streak). Injuries have hurt them for sure, as Glen “Big Baby” Davis is out for the year and Al Harrington has yet to play a game because of an ailing knee injury. Those are two of Orlando’s best veterans, making the teams they’re putting on the floor even younger.

With almost no expectations to succeed, 6-year veteran J.J. Redick has really stepped up his output this season. Without many other big name scorers on the team, Redick has taken more shots and upped his scoring average by 4 points from last season. His play has gotten him noticed, and several NBA teams are rumored to be interested in acquiring him before the trade deadline. He’s an incredibly effective scorer who can shoot 40% from three point range and is a career 88% free throw shooter. He also has the ability to create shots on his own as well as shoot off screens. This skill set makes him an incredibly enticing player for several playoff teams needing that extra scoring punch off the bench.

Season	Age	Pos	G	GS	FG%	3P%	FT%	AST	STL	TOV	PTS
2012-13	28	SG	46	11	.452	.399	.892	5.1	0.6	2.4	17.3
Career			392	52	.432	.400	.878	3.2	0.6	1.6	15.2

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 2/7/2013.

I think the most obvious and beneficial fit for Redick would be with the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls have been dreadful from three point range this season and could definitely use a guy like him coming off their bench. With Derrick Rose coming back soon and Redick off the bench, the Bulls would have formidable depth in the backcourt and the shooting they’ve desperately been lacking. Considering they’re already one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference without Rose and Redick, having them both in the lineup could pay big dividends come playoff time.

However, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Magic held on to Redick. He’s one of the only healthy players on the team right now who’s making a significant contribution. Although the team is struggling, he seems genuinely happy in Orlando. His contract ends after this season, and if the team gave him a good offer, I could definitely see him staying. Unless they get a great trade offer, there’s not a ton of incentive to get rid of him. However, his value has never been higher, so they may never get better players in return (the Cavaliers were in a similar situation with Anderson Varejao before his injury). The team could also believe he’s going to get more than they’re willing to pay him in the open market. In that case, it makes sense to move him before the deadline so they don’t lose him for nothing in July.

Final Prediction: Redick stays in Orlando

Likely Suitors: Chicago, other playoff caliber teams looking for bench scoring and 3-point shooting

Update (2/9/13): The Milwaukee Bucks have emerged as a team interested in Redick. They have a stockpile of young assets that I'm sure the Magic would be interested in. However, they may want assurances that Redick won't leave in the offseason when his contract expires.