There’s been a lot of chatter tying New Orleans Pelicans veteran guard JJ Redick to three Atlantic Division teams, but it seems the connection may be more one-sided than it at first appeared, at least for the Boston Celtics.
In a recent article by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Celtics along with the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers were tied to the sharpshooter via reported “interest,” but today on the popular local radio show “Toucher and Rich,” Celtics team president Danny Ainge seemed like he wasn’t especially excited by the prospect of a player with the New Orleans veteran guard.
Shams: Boston has ‘expressed interest’ in trading for JJ Redick https://t.co/aWGQVVOGgk
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) January 31, 2021
Questions about on whether Redick’s shot — currently hovering around 30% from the field and 3-point range — is a product of his situation, his health or his age. But for the Celtic GM, another issue might be taking the shine off that particular target.
“I know we haven’t won a championship, but we need defense,” Ainge explained, perhaps alluding to Redick. “It’s hard to just find a shooter that can’t guard anybody and expect that person to come in and make a major change on our team.”
And while there’s at least a solid chance the 14-season veteran turns his shooting around in his 15th, he has never been a very good defender.
Redick, Ball: These aren’t the guards you’re looking for, move along https://t.co/T8pbk3wKB3
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) February 1, 2021
With nearly two months left before the Mar. 25 trade deadline, Boston can wait for a better fit to come along.
Particularly given the TPE which would absorb a player like Redick’s salary is one of the last, most important tools left in Boston’s bag of tricks.
This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!
