It’s not often that a team’s fanbase turns hostile toward its own management. But that’s exactly what happened in Dallas when Nico Harrison traded Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis. Obviously, losing a generational talent like Luka enraged the Mavs fanbase, even leading to security concerns for the GM. As per veteran insider Tim MacMahon, “Nico Harrison has been subjected to death threats. There have been racial epithets included in some of those.” But while tensions continue to rise in Dallas, the man on the other side of this trade, JJ Redick, is surprisingly unbothered by the situation because of a recent personal tragedy.

When asked about the current atmosphere in Dallas ahead of AD and Max Christie’s debut, JJ bluntly responded, “I’m living in a hotel right now man. I could care less what other teams are doing.” Yes, the head coach is still dealing with the aftermath of losing his Pacific Palisades home in the LA Wildfires. Since the incident, JJ along with his family, has found temporary shelter in a hotel, as he continues to focus on his day job. So, keeping up with the situation in Dallas is not on his priority list.

Just like Redick, the rest of Los Angeles is also coping with last month’s tragedy, as it caused over 200,000 residents to evacuate their homes at one point. Moreover, the wildfires claimed at least 29 lives and caused over $250 Billion in damage to the city, making it one of the costliest fires in US history. JJ even described the haunting visual of LA in flames after his house burned down. “I was not prepared for what I saw. It’s complete devastation and destruction.”

Although the house Redick lost was a rental property, he was heartbroken after losing all his irreplaceable personal belongings. “Everything we owned that was of any importance to us almost twenty years together as a couple and ten years of parenting was in that house. And there are certain things that you can’t replace, that will never be replaced.” That included a charcoal painting his son made as an art project, which JJ had framed and hung on the wall. The head coach even admitted to crying profusely after his house burned down. But his unbothered attitude toward the Dallas situation does not mean that AD and Christie’s departure didn’t sting him.

JJ Redick had mixed emotions after losing “family member” Anthony Davis in a trade

Of course, JJ was as shocked as everyone else when he found out that Rob Pelinka traded Davis. Addressing the blockbuster move, he said, “Certainly a lot of mixed emotions. Particularly around the loss of family members in AD, Max, Jalen, like they were part of our family.” Although Redick joined the Lakers camp just last year, he has developed a special bond with all the players. And it’s evident from the successful season they are having under his leadership. So, Davis and other players’ departures hurt him.

On the other hand, the opportunity of coaching a superstar like Luka pumped him up, “There is also the excitement of getting a Luka Doncic and adding Maxi and Markieff… It really is once in a lifetime opportunity to trade for a player of Luka’s calibre in his prime.” Well, the two sides will meet for the first time since the trade later this month, on February 25. However, it will be in the Lakers’ arena and not in the risky environment of Dallas. So, JJ might not have to worry about it anytime soon.