DALLAS — A timetable for JJ Redick to join the Dallas Mavericks has not been determined, as the team intends to allow the veteran shooting guard to work out on his own while he recovers from a nonsurgical procedure on his right heel that has sidelined him since the All-Star break.
The Mavericks acquired Redick along with center Nicolo Melli from the New Orleans Pelicans for forwards James Johnson and Wesley Iwundu, a second-round pick and cash considerations in a deal agreed to minutes before Thursday’s trade deadline.
“We want to make sure that heel is 100%,” Mavs president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson said. “That’s more of a situation where we’re going to have a chance to maybe have him work out and then slowly, when it’s comfortable, to integrate and come to Dallas.”
Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said Redick told him on Friday that the heel is “progressing” but was uncertain about a potential timetable to be ready to play.
The Mavs value the 36-year-old Redick’s shooting and playoff experience. Redick, who averaged 8.7 points in 31 games for the Pelicans this season, has shot 41.5% from 3-point range for his career and played in 110 playoff games.
Redick, 36, was considered a likely candidate to receive a buyout. In that instance, the Brooklyn Nets would have been the heavy favorites to sign Redick, who maintains a home in Brooklyn.
“I think the preference would have been to, in a buyout situation, be able to pick his location, but it didn’t happen like that,” Nelson said. “So I think he’s really excited. He told me Luka [Doncic is] one of his favorite players, and Luka had a chance to exchange texts with him, as did Dirk [Nowitzki], and I think he’s pretty excited to come to Dallas.”