DALLAS – No schedule has been set for JJ Redick to join the Dallas Mavericks as the team plans to allow the veteran guard to practice independently while he recovers from a nonsurgical procedure on his right heel that he has sidelined since the All-Star break.
The Mavericks acquired Redick along with New Orleans Pelicans center Nicolo Melli ahead of forwards James Johnson and Wesley Iwundu, a second round pick and cash considerations in a deal agreed minutes before Thursday’s trade deadline.
“We want to make sure the heel is 100 percent,” said Mavs president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson. “That’s more of a situation where we get a chance to get him to exercise and then slowly, when he’s comfortable, come to Dallas.”
Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said Redick told him on Friday that the heel is “moving forward,” but he was unsure of a possible schedule to get ready to play.
The Mavs appreciate 36-year-old Redick’s shooting and post-season experience. Redick, who averaged 8.7 points in 31 games for the Pelicans this season, has shot 41.5% from his career three-point reach and played in 110 postseason games.
The 36-year-old Redick, who has 110 playoff experience, was considered a likely candidate for a termination. In that case, the Brooklyn Nets would have been the big favorites to sign Redick, who has a home in Brooklyn.
“I think the preference would have been to be able to choose their situation in a buying situation, but it didn’t happen that way,” said Nelson. “So I think he’s very excited. He told me that Luka [Doncic es] one of his favorite players, and that Luka had the ability to exchange text messages with him, just like Dirk [Nowitzki], and I think he’s very excited to come to Dallas. ‘