2017 Orlando Magic Free Agent Preview: The Shooting Guards

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – APRIL 28: JJ Redick #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers controls the ball while being defended by Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 28, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /

J.J. Redick, LA Clippers

Per Game Table
Season	Age	Tm	G	MP	FG%	3P%	eFG%	FT%	TRB	AST	STL	PTS
2016-17	32	LAC	78	28.2	.445	.429	.558	.891	2.2	1.4	0.7	15.0
Career			690	24.9	.447	.415	.550	.888	1.9	1.8	0.5	11.9

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/28/2017.

J.J. Redick is probably out of the Magic’s price range after finishing a four-year, $28-million contract. It has been reported he is looking to get a contract in the $18-20 million range. But he may still have a soft spot for Orlando, where he spent the first seven years of his career.

Redick is the picture of consistency. His teams have always counted on him for his role. This year he averaged 15.0 points per game and shot 42.9 percent from 3-point range. That is standard for what he has done since he finally earned his way into the rotation during his stint with the Magic.

Redick would immediately improve the Magic offense. His shooting prowess is well-known. But his movement without the ball is just as important to his game. He always runs hard, whether he gets the ball or not. And defenses have to pay attention to him even when he does not have the ball.

A Redick return should also be inspirational for Mario Hezonja. Redick struggled at the beginning of his career, but he kept working and eventually found his way. Redick’s presence in that first year of the rebuild helped the Magic’s young players like Nikola Vucevic mature as professionals.

Redick has become accustomed to winning, so coming to the Magic would be a sentimental decision. But the Magic offer him an opportunity others cannot. He would be the star in Orlando, so he would have a chance to put up gaudy stats.

It will be hard to get Redick straight up because he may have to sacrifice money. But after the LA Clippers traded Chris Paul to the Houston Rockets, a sign and trade seems possible. At the very least, it is clear Redick is not returning to the Clippers.