The Los Angeles Clippers retooled their lineup with strong perimeter threats on Tuesday when they acquired the services of Jared Dudley and J.J. Redick in a three-team deal involving the Phoenix Suns and the Milwaukee Bucks. Be sure to click here for Chris Bernucca’s report on the details of the trade.
Clearly, the Clippers came out as the strongest team out of the deal.
With Chris Paul signed up for five seasons, promising guard Eric Bledsoe became expendable for the Clippers. They have refused to deal Bledsoe for quite some time, but with this trade, it gives him the opportunity to shine and make a name for himself as a starting point guard in the league. The only issue now is for the Suns to figure out how he is supposed to co-exist with Goran Dragic.
Caron Butler was a serviceable starter, but is turning 34 in the upcoming season. Dudley, who is 27 and entering the prime years of his career, is a better shooter and should be considered an upgrade at the small forward position.
The most intriguing part of the deal for Los Angeles was receiving Redick, who has become quite a commodity in the league after averaging a career-best 14.1 points last season. He joins Jamal Crawford to form a dangerous offensive combination at shooting guard. It’s unclear which of the two may become the starter (assuming Chauncey Billups won’t return), but given his shooting prowess, Redick may get the nod, while Crawford continues to light it up as the sixth man of the team.
Filled with excitement at the chance to compete as a contender, here’s what Redick had to say about the trade:
What a crazy day. Couldn’t be more excited to join #ClipperNation. So incredibly grateful. Now I gotta work on my dunk shot. #LobCity
— JJ Redick (@JJRedick) July 3, 2013
Dunk? Lets worry about completing layups first, J.J.
As for the team he left, the Bucks are clearly in some kind of tank mode.