Redick's Agent Looking for Trade for his Client

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Magic General Manager Otis Smith said that J.J. Redick's agent, Arn Tellem, has suggested the club trade their top 2006 pick, who is frustrated over his lack of playing time for a second straight season.

"I told him what I tell everybody else," Smith said. "Why would I do that before I've really seen him? So he can do something somewhere else? I think J.J. can play.

"He has to have patience. It's the worst thing for young guys, having patience. I know. I was that guy (when Smith played in the NBA)."

Redick, who seldom played last season under Brian Hill, is facing the same scenario under Coach Stan Van Gundy.

He has played in just 20 games, averaging only 8.3 minutes and 3.7 points.

Van Gundy said he's already had a sit-down with Redick. He told him there wasn't much hope for him getting off the bench the rest of this season.

He's not playing because the Magic need defense and rebounding at his shooting-guard spot. Van Gundy says that Maurice Evans and Keith Bogans are simply better at those tasks than one of the most prolific shooters in college basketball lore.

Redick admits to being frustrated and has had to bite his famous tongue when asked by the media and fans who are curious of his whereabouts.

This season is pretty much a wash --- yet again --- for the former Duke star whom the Magic selected as their No. 1 pick in 2006.

"Right now it would be very hard to fit him in," Van Gundy said. "I know it's also hard to keep sitting him on the bench. I debate that, and my assists tell you, almost every day. Should we be playing him? Right now we're going good so we probably won't disrupt things right now.

"I think about it all the time. He makes you think about it all the time when you watch practice. I know he's really frustrated because there's not a lot more he can be doing."

Van Gundy says Redick is smart, can shoot and is improving defensively in practice.

Van Gundy said he told Redick to just keep working "when J.J. came and talked to me . . . He just has to keep doing what he's doing. There's nothing negative with him. I've got confidence in him and I'm sure he'll help us when it's all over. I just don't know when."

Offense isn't an issue with the Magic as much as defense, the weakness having a domino effect with Redick. In addition to Evans and Bogans, Keyon Dooling can play shooting guard and is a better defender.

"I have more confidence in Mo and Keith defensively and rebounding ---- that's sort of what we need," Van Gundy said. "I'll be honest, watching him practice . . . J.J.'s defending pretty well. So we'll have to see. That's been the big thing that should be a defensive rebounding spot for us."

Redick's chances of playing depend on the scoreboard now. The Magic face the hapless Heat tonight. If they can knock out their state rival early, maybe J.J. can see the floor.</div>

Source: Orlando Sentinel