NBA Trade Deadline Report: Can the San Antonio Spurs Field Attractive Package for Orlando Magic’s J.J. Redick?
J.J. Redick had already drawn interest from the Utah Jazz, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves. Now the San Antonio Spurs are making a splash in the J.J. Redick sweepstakes, and they should be able to put together an attractive package.
Feb 19, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich follows the action against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY SportsGregg Popovich’s Western Conference powerhouse San Antonio Spurs have now cast their lots in amongst the other nearly one-third of NBA teams attempting to obtain the hot shooting Magic 2-guard.
Add one more team to list of those showing interest in @JJRedick: San Antonio. Magic, from start, have wanted no less than a first for him
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 21, 2013
Stein’s rumor indicates what we’ve already known here at Presto: Rob Hennigan is seeking picks to rebuild this Magic team.
After the Milwaukee Bucks informed them they would not be dealing their 2013 first rounder (which will likely fall in the teens), Hennigan backed off and all talks between the teams fell dead.
San Antonio had already been mentioned to be shopping their backup big man DeJuan Blair:
Role players that could be moved: J.J. Redick, DeJuan Blair, Jordan Crawford, Eric Maynor, Luke Ridnour, Gerald Henderson, Luc Mbah a Moute.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) February 21, 2013
David Aldridge further reported that Blair will not likely be dealt, but the Spurs rumored interest in Redick is as late breaking as that news:
Among those mentioned in possible trades, told definitively that Danny Granger not going anywhere, and DeJuan Blair likely to stay put, too.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) February 21, 2013
One deal which could prove favorable for both squads would be if the Spurs were to send the expiring contracts of Blair and Tiago Splitter—along with the coveted draft pick—in exchange for J.J. Redick.
Feb 10, 2013; New York, NY, USA; San Antonio Spurs center DeJuan Blair (45) gestures after scoring during the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY SportsBlair is one of the biggest bargains available at this trade deadline, and Splitter had been linked in rumors this season due to his $3.94 million expiring contract, and those talks are on going according to ESPN.
The Spurs would presumably re-sign Redick, and would likely make this move with the real
Feb 11, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Tiago Splitter (right) is fouled by Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson (left) during the fourth quarter at the United Center. The Spurs won 103-89. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sportsintention of making sure they had the $10 million available that Redick’s agent Art Tellum is said to be requesting.
The real pull for the Magic would be in cutting the cost of re-signing Redick and stockpiling one more pick, albeit a late first rounder from the Spurs.
With so many teams lined up for Redick, Hennigan should be able to pull a heist, but Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Magic are not opposed to hanging onto Redick if they aren’t able to get exactly what they want:
Orlando is still discussing deals for guard J.J. Redick, but league sources don't rule out the Magic holding onto him for rest of season.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 21, 2013
Since Redick is a fan favorite in Orlando, it may not be unreasonable to just let him finish out the season here and possibly work a sign and trade over the summer, or just let his $6.75 million come off the books.
Hennigan certainly isn’t out to do any teams a favor this trade deadline, nor any other, and if GMs like John Hammond of Milwaukee are unwilling to part with their most attractive pieces, Hennigan should just stand pat and freeze them out.
The Spurs won’t have the most attractive pick to offer the Magic, which could end up being a real sticker in any potential deal to put Redick in a Spurs uniform this week, but Hennigan may take the best deal on the table and the Spurs apparently are going to be putting one up there.
The only thing that is certain according to Steve Kyler of Hoopsworld is that teams will continue to offer, and Rob Hennigan’s price may adjust according to the bidding:
I don't think Orlando has a deal, that could change as could their price in the next 18 plus hours.
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) February 21, 2013
As the overnight hours pass, Presto will report all breaking news as the talks intensify leading up to today’s 3 PM (EST) deadline.