Magic sharpshooting guard J.J. Redick has openly discussed his displeasure with his role this past season, but according to Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel, he may have finally had the last straw. The ACC legend has recently voiced his virtual ultimatum, asking for either more playing time next season or a trade.

“I want to play. There were a lot of things that were said last summer and in the preseason, you know, and I thought I was going to play. It didn’t happen,” Redick said.

“I’m certainly not going to sit there and hear the same stuff and think I’m going to get the same results. I’m going to put some of this on myself to get better, but there’s got to be an opportunity for me to get on the court.”

Should Orlando refuse to part ways and/or fail to find a viable suitor via trade, playing time may very well open up in 2008-2009. The contracts of guards Carlos Arroyo, Keyon Dooling, and Mo Evans have all expired, leaving uncertainty as to who will be back next season.

As for Redick, he’ll talk with Smith this week and the meeting might determine if he stays or not. “The thing I want to discuss is my future here and kind of what their plan is. As I said all along, I want to play here . . . but I want to play,” Redick said. “I can’t predict the future. I honestly think when training camp starts, I’ll be here — that’s my gut feeling — but I don’t know.”

Smith that Redick “could easily go from the third guy to the first guy because other guys opt out as free agents. I do think he’s a pretty good guard. He’s a backup 2 [shooting guard].”

Posted By: Dustin Chapman

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