The NBA trade deadline was Thursday, with a number of teams looking to make last second trades to boost their roster heading into the final stretch of the season. Mavericks fans waited anxiously, as Dallas pulled off a trade in the final minutes before the 2 p.m. deadline.
With just minutes before the trade deadline passed, it was announced the Dallas Mavericks had made a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, acquiring veteran guard JJ Redick. Redick, a 16-year pro, is known for his strong 3-point shooting, making over 41% of 3-point attempts in his career.
Despite shooting a career-low 36% from deep range this season, Redick should provide a consistent scoring threat off the bench for the Mavericks. Along with Redick, Dallas also acquired Nicolo Melli, a 30-year-old power forward in his second season in the league. Melli has averaged 11 minutes a game for the Pelicans this season, averaging two points per game and just under three rebounds.
Dallas sent backup forward James Johnson to New Orleans as well as Wes Iwundu and a second round pick for the 2021 draft. The Mavericks are currently the seven seed in the Western Conference, trailing the five seed Denver Nuggets by two games and the four seed Los Angeles Lakers by 2.5 games.
With one of the easiest remaining schedules in the league, Dallas hopes adding a veteran leader and consistent deep ball threat like Redick will help them continue to climb in the standings. One of the things the Mavericks have lacked this season is consistent scoring outside of superstar Luka Doncic and big man Kristaps Porzingis.
Redick should provide the ability for guys like Tim Hardaway Jr., the Mavericks third leading scorer, more opportunities to get open looks. Redick, who is only averaging 8.7 points per game this season, has averaged 15 points per game or better for each of the last seven seasons. Redick had also shot 40% or better from 3-point range in each of his last seven seasons.
Dallas will travel to New Orleans Saturday, facing the team they made the deadline trade with. That game is set to start at 8 p.m. That game is the start of a fivegame road trip for Dallas, who won’t return home until Monday, April 5, to host the Utah Jazz.