New York Knicks trade rumors about a J.J. Redick trade with the Orlando Magic have surfaced. Getting Redick could really help the Knicks, not just because he could be inserted into the starting lineup, but because the team could offer him a nice contract extension. According to a report from CBS on Tuesday (Feb. 19), the deal would include Iman Shumpert going back to Orlando.
The Knicks' front office does not seem to fear the impending luxury tax increases, which could turn this into a long-term improvement for the franchise. Redick is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, which is a fact that has scared off several potential trade partners with Orlando. What New York could do is trade for Redick and then offer him a contract extension to be the starting shooting guard for several more seasons.
Redick is having his best season in the NBA, averaging 15.3 points and 4.4 assists per game with the Magic. He is finally getting significant minutes (31.6 per game) and has made the most of that opportunity. His biggest value is from three-point range, where he is averaging 40.3 percent this season and has already hit 110 three-pointers. He is also deadly from the free throw line, with a career percentage of 87.8.
Through a J.J. Redick trade, the Knicks could spread the floor even further on offense at the beginning of games. Having him play minutes with a second-unit of Jason Kidd, J.R. Smith, and Amar'e Stoudemire could also open up the low post for the team as well. Adding another shooter as good as Redick might be what puts the Knicks over the top this season if the front office is willing to pull the trigger.
These New York Knicks trade rumors have a lot of fact behind them, so it is really just a matter of the two sides coming to an agreement. The downside is that the Knicks would have to part with Iman Shumpert, who has been one of the best defensive players on the team. Fans would hate to see him go, but adding someone like Redick might help raise another banner at Madison Square Garden.
For fantasy basketball owners, Redick going to New York might hurt his value a little bit, especially because he will be surrounded by other shooters like Carmelo Anthony. His shooting percentages could go up, though, especially if he is left open on double teams.
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