J.J. Redick Cried When He Was Traded to Milwaukee Bucks
By Josh Hill
The biggest trade of the NBA deadline ended up being the Orlando Magic sending guard J.J. Redick to the Milwaukee Bucks in a multi-player trade. But while the Magic are in the dumps and in line to get a top lottery pick, Redick admitted that he shed some tears when he was traded to the Bucks and it came time for him to say his final goodbye to the teammates he’s known for his entire career.
“Oh it’s very difficult. I came here seven years ago and I didn’t know anybody. I have wonderful friends and a wonderful support system here in Orlando,” Redick said on Sportstalk 1040 in Orlando with David Baumann after being traded to the Bucks on Thursday. “Chelsea has been here for 11 years, her family lives two hours south on the Atlantic side of Florida so our roots are here in Florida. Having said that I think both of us can rest easy and be at peace at the fact that God is in control of this. He’s the one that’s steering our ship. If we can continue to trust in that fact then we will have peace as we head out and get to this next phase.”
Redick was drafted by the Orlando Magic back in 2006 out of Duke and his move to Milwaukee marks the first time in his career he’s wearing a uniform that’s not blue and white. Redick said that the hardest part of leaving was his final plane ride with his team after learning of his trade and having to say goodbye to some of the best friends he’s ever made.
“Getting on the plane yesterday to say goodbye to everyone, especially Jameer (Nelson) and Joe Rogowski, our strength coach, who have been here the whole time with me and even saying goodbye to Kyle, who I have grown close with this year, rookie Kyle O’Quinn, it was emotional,” Redick said.
His first game with the Bucks was spoiled by an Al Horford buzzer beater but it’s just the first step in the next chapter of Redick’s career. While he’s moved on and is now focused on being the best he can be for Milwaukee, Redick says that he’s never going to forget his time in Orlando and will cherish it forever.
“We consider ourselves very lucky to have been here for the last seven years and 11 years and will really love Orlando and will always have a special place in our heart for us.”