Why the Boston Celtics Should Sign JJ Redick This Offseason
The Boston Celtics are primed for a transformational off-season this summer after landing the No. 1 overall selection in the upcoming NBA Draft. With cap space to add another max player to a team that made the Eastern Conference Finals in 2017, Boston can take a large step forward in closing the sizable gap between them and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In the coming weeks, superstar players like Paul George, Anthony Davis and Jimmy Butler will churn the rumor mill when it comes to the Celtics, but its a second-tier player that might make a big impact for next year's squad -- JJ Redick.
Those who followed Redick, 32, during his Duke days likely carry a deep-seeded hatred for the player, or an irrational fandom for him. Originally drafted seventh overall by Orlando back in 2006, the sharpshooter has come a long way from his early struggles with the Magic. Redick has averaged no less than 15 PPG as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers over the past four seasons, and, perhaps more importantly, he has shot over 40% from three during this span.
Celtics head coach Brad Stevens' system is predicated on having all players on the floor be able to shoot the three. Currently, Boston has a glut of guards on the roster led by second team All-NBA star Isaiah Thomas. However, Thomas, along with guards Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley and Terry Rozier all have contracts set to expire in the next two seasons, and some combination of these players will likely be dangled in trade negotiations this summer.
Each of these players have something unique to offer, but, besides Thomas, none of these players can consistently knock down threes. Redick may not bring the defensive prowess of a Bradley, the tenacity of a Smart or the breakaway speed of a Rozier, but he is a perfect fit for Stevens' system and an underrated defender.
The plausibility of the Celtics signing Redick comes down to what the team does with the No. 1 overall pick more so than the players currently on the roster. Should Boston keep the pick and select PG Markelle Fultz as many believe they will, then Fultz cannot be buried on the bench. With Thomas slated to once again start at point guard, the idea is that Fultz would move over to the two spot, where Redick would project to play.
Speaking of new additions, the Celtics are rumored to make a strong push to reunite Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward with his college coach Brad Stevens. Hayward will demand a max deal that will eat up Boston's salary room, while the No. 1 overall pick will also see a starting salary of close to $7 million. Redick is expected to make between $18-20 million on the open market, and with the like of Amir Johnson, Jonas Jerebko and Kelly Olynyk likely to depart via free agency, Boston will need to be careful spending their money.
Related: Celtics "Ramp Up" Interest in SG JJ Redick
Ainge has long been a fan of Redick's game, and the Celtics pushed hard to acquire him at the 2013 Trade Deadline. Obviously, there are a lot of moving pieces involved that would determine whether or not Redick would work in Boston. Still, Redick would be a valuable piece to a championship-caliber team, or a transitional player to keep the Celtics competitive as players like Fultz or the 2018 first-round pick develops.
