J.J. Redick spoke on his podcast about his displeasure with the New Orleans Pelicans for trading him to the Dallas Mavericks.

Holiday revealed he asked for a trade before the start of the season and that David Griffin promised to oblige him if the situation didn't work out during the season.

"Obviously, he did not honor his word," said Redick of Griffin.

"I don't think you're going to get honesty from that front office, objectively speaking," added Redick. "That's not an opinion, I just don't think you're gonna get that. I don't think what happened with me is necessarily an isolated incident. I think front offices around the league operate in their best interest. I get that. I understand that. Truthfully... I think I was a little naive thinking I was in Year 15 and I attempted to do things right throughout my career.

"But in terms of this front office, yeah, it's not something where I would expect certainly the agents who worked on this with me to ever trust that front office again."

Redick was "jarred" by the trade to the Mavericks as they weren't one of the teams discussed with him. Redick has no set timetable for reporting to the Mavericks. 

Rick Carlisle compared Zion Williamson to Shaquille O'Neal following the Dallas Mavericks' 112-103 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Williamson scored 38 points on 13-of-20 shooting, while adding six rebounds and five assists.

Williamson also took 18 free throws in the game.

"He's an unusual force and obviously a great player ... it presents huge challenges for the defense and for officials. He is just creating collisions out there. This is a Shaquille O'Neal-type force of nature with a point guard skill set," said Carlisle.

Williamson also became the first player since O'Neal in 1995-96 to have four straight games of scoring at least 25 points with over 65% shooting.

Williamson added that his focus was only on making the right plays.

"I want to make the best play that's going to help us win. Sometimes, that's knowing when to shoot it and when not to shoot it. When to make the pass and when not to make the pass. I just want to win. It's as simple as that."

The Dallas Mavericks have no timetable on when JJ Redick will join the team as he recovers from a nonsurgical procedure on his right heel.

Redick has been out since the All-Star break.

"We want to make sure that heel is 100%. That's more of a situation where we're going to have a chance to maybe have him work out and then slowly, when it's comfortable, to integrate and come to Dallas," said president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson.

Rick Carlisle added that Redick's heel was "progressing."

The Mavs acquired Redick minutes before Thursday's trade deadline.

"He told me Luka [Doncic is] one of his favorite players, and Luka had a chance to exchange texts with him, as did Dirk [Nowitzki], and I think he's pretty excited to come to Dallas," added Nelson.

The New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to trade JJ Redick and Nico Melli to the Dallas Mavericks for James Johnson, Wes Iwundu and a second round pick. 

Redick was a buyout candidate if he wasn't traded.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks have discussed a deal involving Andre Drummond, sources told Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer.

The Cavs are looking for at least a second-round pick in return.

The Raptors also remain interested in Drummond.

The Lakers and Nets could be potential destinations should Drummond be bought out. 

Dozens of eligible members within the New Orleans Pelicans organization received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination on Saturday.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards expanded the eligibility for the vaccination to anyone 16 or older with an underlying health condition.

One of the conditions is a body mass index over 25, a criterion that many NBA players meet.

"The Pelicans support the state's vital efforts to encourage everyone to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, as large-scale vaccination of our community is the best way to keep everyone safe and to end the COVID-19 pandemic," released the team in a statement.

Many of the eligible players received a vaccination, including Sindarius Thornwell.

Coaches around the league are asking performance staff when a vaccine will become available, according to sources.

The Mavs are waiting for approval from the league office to go forward with a vaccination plan for players and staff, sources told Tim MacMahon of ESPN.

Kristaps Porzingis is in the second season of a five-year, $158 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks and "the perception among executives around the league is that he is available" via trade, reports ESPN's Tim MacMahon.

Both Mark Cuban and Rick Carlisle have publicly said the Mavericks have not engaged in trade discussions regarding Porzingis. 

Porzingis' time with the Mavericks has been hindered by injuries and uneven play.

"I feel like I'm getting there," Porzingis said. "I still have to keep working. After you get the surgery, the leg is not feeling the same, so you have to keep working on that strength and make sure it's strong and stable and you feel confident at the end. It's nonstop work, but I'm feeling better each day and each game, and I'm putting in the work. That just gives me the confidence that I can go out there and play and play freely.

"I'm looking forward to the second part of the season."

Luka Doncic has been downgraded to doubtful for the Dallas Mavericks' game on Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder with lower back tightness.

Doncic is still expected to play in Sunday's All-Star Game in Atlanta.