NBA Trade Rumors: 7 veterans who could help a contender

5. J.J. Redick, New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans’ willingness to trade J.J. Redick is perhaps the worst-kept secret in the NBA.

In late January, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the Pelicans had been “receiving calls about the availability” of Redick and Lonzo Ball and had “shown an openness to discuss trades around both.” A few days later, Charania reported the Pels had “focused on” the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics as Redick trade destinations.

The 36-year-old got off to an ice-cold start this season, shooting only 33.6 percent overall and 29.8 percent from 3-point range over his first 16 games. But after returning from three straight DNP-CDs, Redick is shooting 44.9 percent overall and 46.8 percent from deep over his past 13 games, albeit in only 16.1 minutes per outing.

Since Redick’s early-season slump doesn’t seem to be a sign of permanent regression, he should pique the interest of shooting-starved contenders at the trade deadline. He’s a career 41.5 percent 3-point shooter, and he shot 45.3 percent from deep on 6.6 attempts per game last season.

Redick is a major defensive liability, which makes him better suited to play limited minutes off the bench rather than start at this point in his career. His $13.0 million expiring contract may price him out of some contenders’ reach, too.

For those who can afford Redick, he could swing a playoff game or two with one hot stretch from deep.