ORLANDO, Fla. — The only place J.J. Redick is heading is to the bank.
In a move that highlights his remarkable NBA turnaround, the same Orlando Magic team that once benched Redick shelled out $19 million Friday to retain the shooting guard. They matched a three-year offer sheet that the Chicago Bulls made for Redick last week that could cost Orlando much more.
The decision drives the Magic deeper into the luxury tax and gives them one of the NBA’s highest payrolls at about $93 million next season. The move keeps Orlando’s roster mostly intact as the Magic hopes continuity will overcome Miami’s all-star trio and Boston’s Big Three in the Eastern Conference.
“When it came down to it, when we’re talking about what we’re trying to do here, it came down for me to pedigree, DNA, things that most people don’t think about,” Orlando general manager Otis Smith said.
Robinson to stay with Celtics
BOSTON — The Boston Celtics have agreed in principle with guard Nate Robinson on a new contract.
The Boston Herald reported that 5-foot-9 guard will get $4 million a year for two seasons.
Footnotes.
Mike Miller’s signing with Miami is now finalized, clearing the way for the Heat to make more free agent moves.
Miller agreed to a five-year, $25 million contract.
• The agent for Ronnie Brewer confirmed the guard has agreed to a three-year contract with the Chicago Bulls. The deal reunites Brewer with former Utah teammates Carlos Boozer and Kyle Korver, who became Bulls this month.
