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J.J. Redick: 5 potential landing spots in 2017 NBA free agency

By Simon Smith

December 25, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard J.J. Redick (4) moves the ball up court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
December 25, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard J.J. Redick (4) moves the ball up court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Minnesota Timberwolves

This is where things start to get interesting.

The Timberwolves have been in the headlines recently with their draft-day, blockbuster deal to acquire All-Star Jimmy Butler. As it currently stands, the Wolves have an extremely potent core of Butler, Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Ricky Rubio. This represents a tremendous mix of upside and athleticism, with their respective ages giving Minnesota plenty of time to grow as a team.

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    • But there is still one glaring weakness: three-point shooting. Last season, the Timberwolves ranked dead last in the league in both three-pointers made per game (7.3) and attempts per game (21.0). Their most prolific three-point shooter, Zach LaVine, was dealt away as part of the Butler trade. For his part, Butler is certainly not a prolific three-point shooter, averaging 1.2 makes per game at a 36.7 percent clip.

    This is where Redick fits into the equation perfectly.

    Not only does he provide the Timberwolves with an elite three-point shooter, his veteran experience would be an invaluable asset to the exciting mix coach Tom Thibodeau is pushing to develop. Furthermore, a Thibodeau and Redick partnership would be a great fit, with their respective work ethics and knowledge of the game likely to bounce off one another.

    As it currently stands, the Timberwolves have approximately $18-20 million available in cap space as their prepare for the July 1 free agency rush. Whether they want to tie up their remaining cap space in a 33-year-old is unclear. It is certainly risky, given that once Towns and co. start to flourish, Redick will most likely be washed up.

    Still, Thibodeau signaled his intentions in his role as both head coach and president of basketball operations, that the Timberwolves are ready to improve on their 31 wins of last season. In such a setting, Redick would likely be used as a premier sixth man, while still playing close to the 28.2 minutes per game he averaged last season with the Clippers.

    With Butler having the versatility to be an additional ball-handler, Redick’s addition would give Thibodeau tremendous flexibility in the types of lineups he could send out depending on the opposition.

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