The Milwaukee Bucks were the final team that had a chance to land Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith. The Hawks decided to keep Smith and the Bucks were able to pull off a deadline deal by acquiring guard J.J. Redick in a 6-player deal with the Orlando Magic.
With 29 games left, the Bucks are clinging to the NBA’s 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They’ve lost 8 of the last 10 games overall and in need of a shot in the arm.
Redick, who averaged a career best 15.4 points in 50-games with Orlando, give the Bucks some much needed offense in what will now be a solid 3-guard rotation with Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis.
The Bucks also obtained forward Gustavo Ayon and guard Ish Smith from the Magic, sending veteran Beno Udrih and youngsters Tobias Harris and Doron Lamb to Orlando.
Redick is in the final year of his contract, which means he could just be a rental for the rest of the season. Of course, the Bucks could attempt to sign him to a long term deal this summer.
Redick adds a legitimate long range threat. He’s shooting a career-best 45% from the field and 39% from three point range. The Bucks currently rank 21st in the NBA in 3-point shooting accuracy at 34.8%.
Redick and the Bucks will host Josh Smith and the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night at the Bradley Center.
(I talked with WSCO Radio’s Justin Hull about the Bucks trade)
