Celtics Have Increasing Interest In J.J. Redick

Even before a poor outside-shooting performance against the Knicks last night, the Celtics had "ramped up their interest" in acquiring J.J. Redick from the Magic, reports ESPN.com's Marc Stein (via Twitter). According to Stein (Twitter link), adding some frontcourt size remains Boston's top priority, but the team would also like to find a way to add Redick, if possible.

Although we heard earlier in the season that the Magic would be in no rush to trade Redick, a recent report suggested that the team would be open to making a move if it's unsure about its ability to re-sign the sharpshooter this summer. Redick, who is in the final year of his contract, has posted career-best marks of 14.9 PPG and 16.4 PER, and will reportedly be seeking a raise on this season's $6.19MM salary.

This isn't the first time we've heard about the Celtics' interest in Redick, as David Baumann of SportsTalkFlorida.com reported last week (via Twitter) that the C's "covet" the 28-year-old. In order to make any trade work financially, Boston would have to send out at least a few million in salary, and that's assuming the Magic wouldn't try to include any of their less-desirable contracts. When Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities discussed potential Timberwolves' interest in Redick three weeks ago, he noted it would take Derrick Williams and a first-round pick to get Orlando's attention, so the Duke product won't come cheap.

Chuck Myron of Hoops Rumors took an in-depth look at Redick's trade candidacy last week.