Dallas Mavericks rumors: Grades for J.J. Redick trade with Pelicans

The Dallas Mavericks traded for J.J. Redick and Nicolo Melli from the New Orleans Pelicans for 2021 second-round pick, James Johnson, and Wesley Iwundu just before Thursday’s deadline, according to Shams Charania. They added shooting and experience at a minimal cost. It was the only move the Mavericks could pull off, though.

GM Donnie Nelson and the Mavs did an outstanding job plugging a hole by acquiring Redick. Most expected the 36-year-old to be bought out and sign with a contender. Dallas jumped the line by giving up a second-round pick and two players that are not part of their every-night rotation. It was a wise move for a team looking to make a deep playoff run.

Most fans are disappointed the Mavericks did not make a bigger splash, but they did not have the assets to acquire a third star. Dallas still owes two first-round picks including their 2021 unprotected to the Knicks from the Kristaps Porzingis deal. The Mavs do not have a young talent beaming with upside either. No team is going to give away a star player, so Dallas had to try to plug holes ahead of the stretch run.

Dallas Mavericks acquired J.J. Redick from New Orleans Pelicans

The deal was far from the headliner of Thursday’s trade deadline, but both teams accomplished goals. It was the perfect win-win trade. The Pelicans got something for Redick as Dallas improved their roster for an important stretch run.

Here is a look at the move from both team’s perspectives before handing out grades for each side.

Next: Pelicans grade

New Orleans Pelicans grade for J.J. Redick trade with Dallas Mavericks

The Pelicans wanted to give more playing time to young guards Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kira Lewis Jr. Redick is still one of the best shooters in the league, so New Orleans did not want to just drop him from the rotation. The move frees up minutes for their young talent while netting the Pelicans a second-round pick.

James Johnson is on an expiring contract and Wesley Iwundu is under contract next season at just $1.8 million. New Orleans absorbs that slight hit in 2022 after dealing away two expiring contracts. The Pelicans added in Nicolo Melli to avoid paying the luxury tax this season.

New Orleans sits 11th in the Western Conference and just 2.5 games out of the play-in tournament coming into Thursday’s action. They held on to Lonzo Ball as they look to move into the top ten.

Pelicans grade for J.J. Redick trade with Dallas Mavericks: B

New Orleans opened up minutes for their young players but lost a veteran floor spacer. It was a move that could work out for them long-term, but it is never wise to get rid of one of the best shooters in the NBA. Just ask the Mavericks when they moved Seth Curry to Philadelphia in the 2020 offseason. Still, the Pelicans accomplished their goal of getting back an asset for Redick. That earns them a B for the deal.

Next: Mavs grade

Dallas Mavericks grade for J.J. Redick trade with Pelicans

The Mavs fill the shooting hole left by Seth Curry with Redick. The veteran is a career 41.5 percent 3-point shooter that excels on catch and shoot attempts. Luka Doncic is one of the best players in the NBA at creating open threes. Redick should flourish in Dallas as the Mavericks have one of the league’s best offenses down the stretch.

The 36-year-old also brings leadership and experience to Dallas. The Mavs waived J.J. Barea during training camp, and the team has missed that veteran presence in the locker room. Redick could fill that void and help Dallas reach the next level.

He has not played since March 3 because of a heel injury. Hopefully, the veteran guard will return in short order, but it is something to monitor.

Dallas Mavericks grade for J.J. Redick trade with Pelicans: A-minus

The Mavs turned two players that rarely play and a second-round pick that should fall in the 40s at best into a solid rotation piece that plugs one of the team’s holes. That sounds like a fantastic piece of business. Dallas did not hit the home run by acquiring another star but grabbing Redick nets them an A-minus grade.

The best is still yet to come from the 2020-2021 Dallas Mavericks. Keep it locked to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest news and analysis on the team.