Because the New Orleans Pelicans have gotten off to a terrible start, shooting guard JJ Redick's name has come up in trade rumors.
Redick, one of the best shooters in the game, signed a two-year, $26.5 million deal with the Pelicans this past summer. A bevy of contenders would love to acquire Redick from New Orleans should the Pelicans make him available.
Redick says he's not paying attention to the trade rumors and believes New Orleans can turn things around:
The Pelicans are just 6-19 on the season. They have lost 10 games in a row and currently have the second-worst record in the Western Conference.
Redick is averaging 15.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game on the season. He's shooting 44.1 percent from the field, 44.8 percent from beyond the arc and 88.0 percent from the free-throw line.
If the Pelicans continue to lose games as the February trade deadline approaches, multiple teams are going to call New Orleans about the availability of Redick, who has made the playoffs every year of his career.
The only way the Pelicans are going to turn things around is with the help of No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson, who underwent surgery to repair a torn lateral meniscus in October. He won’t return before the initial six-to-eight week projection of his knee rehab.