After Klay Thompson was confirmed as having a season-ending Achilles injury, the Golden State Warriors faced an urgent need to acquire an established talent. They ended up acquiring Kelly Oubre Jr. from the Oklahoma City Thunder, but had their eyes on a shooter before.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Warriors pursued a trade for JJ Redick prior to reaching an agreement on a trade for Kelly Oubre Jr.
It’s unclear why the Pelicans were not interested in trading Redick to the Warriors. Based on the trade package the Thunder received for Oubre Jr., it appears likely New Orleans didn’t want future draft picks in exchange for a contributor that will help in 2020-21.
The fit for the Warriors with Oubre Jr. doesn’t appear to be the cleanest, especially as a temporary Thompson replacement. He isn’t an effective perimeter shooter and hasn’t shown a willingness to move the ball in his NBA career.
RELATED: Milwaukee Bucks trade for Jrue Holiday from New Orleans Pelicans
The best course of action for the Pelicans with Redick still appears to be the trade route. He’s a 36-year-old veteran on an expiring contract with no shortage of trade value from contenders like the Warriors. New Orleans already signaled they are going young by trading away Jrue Holiday.
During the 2019-20 NBA season, JJ Redick provided the Pelicans with averages of 26.4 minutes, 15.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting an impressive 45.3% from beyond the arc. It’s clear why the Golden State Warriors had interest in him as a trade target.
NBA Analysis Network brings you up-to-date information, news, and analysis about Golden State Warriors and New Orleans Pelicans, along with all 30 teams in the league. Make sure to give us a follow on Twitter and like our Facebook page.
