2019 NBA free agency: 5 potential landing spots for J.J. Redick
By Simon Smith
2. Philadelphia 76ers
In terms of the most seamless fit, the Sixers are the clear favorites at this stage. After all, it’s not often that a player returns a career-best year at age 34 and in their 13th season in the league.
In particular, it was Redick’s partnership with center Joel Embiid that was one of the biggest takeaways from the season. In registering a +11.6 net rating when the sharing the floor together, Redick and Embiid registered the seventh-highest return among all two-man lineups that played at least 1,600 minutes last season.
As he stated at his exit interview immediately after the Sixers’ playoff departure:
Soon-to-be free agent JJ Redick on possibly re-signing with the #Sixers: "Obviously, I’d love to be back. I haven’t tried to hide that at all. I love to be back with the Sixers. I’d love to finish my career here and all that."
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) May 13, 2019
Assuming the Sixers’ starting five from last season returns to the fold, Redick’s presence as a floor-spacer is simply invaluable. Furthermore, the fact that the Sixers hold his early bird rights means they are certainly in pole position as it pertains to retaining his services.
“This last two years has been as good as I’ve had in my career.”
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) May 13, 2019
JJ Redick reflects on the team, the city and experiences during the final media availability of the season. pic.twitter.com/aC4ePz3XbB
Having said that, Redick’s return could easily hinge on the movements of Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris. With Butler expected to command a max contract extension, and Harris clearly in line for a significant pay day as well, Redick’s situation is likely to take a back seat to this younger duo when taking a long-term view of things.
So while his ideal preference is to return to the team and city that he’s loved being a part of for the last two seasons, there’s every chance Redick may have to pursue his career elsewhere.