2019 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far

J.J. Redick: 2 years, $26.5 million (New Orleans Pelicans)

In our 10 bold predictions for free agency, the New Orleans Pelicans making a smart, shocking move that no one was expecting made the top 10. David Griffin made us look pretty dang smart on that one, swooping in for J.J. Redick in a deal that had conjured up zero buzz before free agency kicked off.

The Pelicans were already one of the biggest winners of the summer by landing Zion Williamson in the draft lottery, but now they’ll be heading into their first season without Anthony Davis sporting a core of Zion, Jrue Holiday, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Jaxson Hayes, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and now Redick. That’s an incredible turnaround from trading the Brow.

New Orleans desperately needs shooting to space the floor and open things up for Zion, who would be optimized in a LeBron James or Ben Simmons role. That kind of point forward requires 3-point shooting, which Redick — coming off yet another career year — will provide in spades.

Redick posted a career high in scoring for the second straight season last year, averaging 18.1 points per game and making 39.7 percent of his 8.0 3-point attempts per game. He’s largely credited with helping a young Philadelphia 76ers team establish winning habits, and his experience will make him a useful veteran mentor for this group at a perfectly manageable price.

Grade: A