The Dallas Mavericks acquired shooting guard J.J. Redick and power forward Nicolo Melli from the New Orleans Pelicans ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline, but the Pelicans didn’t deal point guard Lonzo Ball, after all.
In exchange for Redick and Melli, the Pelicans will receive small forward James Johnson, guard/forward Wes Iwundu and a second-round pick.
“We wanted shooting and think J.J. will not only help spread the court, but be an amazing teacher for our young guards,” Mavs owner Mark Cuban said, via Brad Townsend of the Dallas News.
Meanwhile, despite being among the hottest topics on the rumor mill, Ball will stay with the Pelicans for at least the rest of the season. Speculation about his next destination rose significantly when he left practice Thursday.
But coach Stan Van Gundy indicated Ball departed because of a lingering hip issue.
The Athletic initially reported that the San Antonio Spurs were involved in the trade, but later deleted the tweet. It is not believed the Spurs took part in the trade.
“Redick, 36, has been a Dallas trade target for much of this season as the Mavericks look to improve their perimeter shooting,” wrote Mike Fisher of DallasBasketball.
