2019 NBA free agency: 5 potential landing spots for J.J. Redick
By Simon Smith
5. Detroit Pistons
Considering the overall makeup of the Detroit Pistons, Redick would make for a more than serviceable fit. With a virtual revolving door at the shooting guard spot in recent seasons, Redick would provide the Pistons with a proven, reliable backcourt presence.
Signed midseason, incumbent starter Wayne Ellington is an unrestricted free agent, and is unlikely to return at this stage. Backing up Ellington was second-year guard Luke Kennard, who showed noticeable strides last season, in particular during the postseason. Amid the Pistons’ 4-0 sweep at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks, Kennard managed to average 15.0 points in 32.8 minutes per game, while returning the terrific .489/.600/.833 shooting splits.
“You factor in money, you factor in stability, you factor in the opportunity to win, and that with each passing year becomes a little more important I think for me."
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) May 17, 2019
-- JJ Redick on what factors into his free agency decision. https://t.co/MxISIZ3PgH
Like Redick, Kennard is also a former lottery pick coming out of Duke, thus providing the Pistons with an excellent 1-2 punch at the shooting guard spot. Given the Pistons ranked 23rd in the league in 3-point percentage, the addition of Redick and his career 41.3 percent clip from long range would provide an immediate improvement in this area.
With $110 million owed to Blake Griffin over the coming three seasons, and $55.8 million remaining on the contract of Andre Drummond, the Pistons are clearly in win-now mode. While their current salary cap position is rather limited, an offer in the $7-8 million range annually over the coming three years could provide Redick with enough reason to give the Pistons serious consideration this summer.