LAS VEGAS — JJ Redick signed a lucrative $23 million, one-year deal with the Sixers, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's going anywhere next summer. Redick envisions this contract as only the beginning of a lengthy tenure in Philadelphia.
"My hope is that this is a long-term thing and that I'm here three or four years and can finish my career as a Sixer," Redick said Saturday.
On the surface, Redick's contract could be seen as a short-term, financially-driven scenario. His highest annual salary prior to this deal was $7.3 million last season with the Clippers. Under this deal, the 33-year-old shooting guard will earn $280,470 per regular-season game.
Yes, Redick could leave at the end of this contract but the notion of getting back into the market for his 13th season in less than a year doesn't appeal to him.
"I hate being a free agent, I'll be honest with you," Redick said. "It's not a fun process for me. I've done it three times and each time it's been absolutely miserable until the outcome."
Redick had been eyeing the Sixers since the Clippers were eliminated from the playoffs. He was one of the most sought-after players in free agency for his ability to meet multiple criteria on teams' wish lists. Knockdown three-point shooting. Playoff experience. Veteran leadership.
The Sixers met Redick's criteria as well. A young team on the rise. A roster that complemented his skills. A head coach he greatly respected.
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"I really believe this is a team that over the next three or four years will become the best team in the East," Redick said. "I hope I'm sort of part of that rise just beyond this year because I think we can be a playoff team and I think in the next two or three years we can contend for conference championships and hopefully at some point NBA championships."
In order for the Sixers to make that rise, they will have to add to their roster next summer through free agency. They also have several contracts to address with current players, including Joel Embiid. Inking Redick and Amir Johnson (one year, $11 million) to single-season contracts leaves them with the options to make that happen.
"I do want to say that's not to think this is a one-and-done situation for either one of these gentlemen," president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo said. "Promoting flexibility and maintaining that flexibility is just important to where we are as a program, but we look at both of these individuals as key additions to what we're doing with our program in terms of that growth."
Redick understood that mindset when reaching a short-term deal. He has made his desire to remain in Philadelphia known.
"Bryan and I, Josh and David and I, we've all spoken and we all hope this is not just a one-year thing," Redick said. "I understand why given the pains the franchise has gone through over the last four years, why it's important for them to maintain cap flexibility next summer."
Redick will be a Sixer for the 2017-18 season. If all goes as he'd like, he will be wearing that uniform a lot longer than that.
"Going into free agency," Redick said, "I would say Philly was sort of the place that I hoped I ended up."