The Philadelphia 76ers are too busy fighting for the playoffs and respectability at the moment, but when the time comes, one player who has helped that process wants to stay in uniform longer than this season.

JJ Redick is only signed through this season as the Sixers kept his deal short for salary-cap flexibility purposes. Doing so allows Philadelphia chances to chase A-list free agents before it’s time to offer contract extensions to rookie Ben Simmons and others. Before the Sixers commit to anyone, Redick included, they’ll see what else is out there.

Redick was signed to help with Philly’s biggest issue — 3-point shooting — and he has supplied that (Redick is shooting 40.5 percent on 3-pointers this season). He spoke Sunday with Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer about his desire to stay with the Sixers as they grow the team:

“This is something that I’ll reiterate that I said last summer when I signed here. I want this to be a long-term thing,” the shooting guard said Sunday morning.

Redick is having a career year after signing a $23 million, one-year deal with the Sixers on July 8, 2017. The 33-year-old was averaging career bests in scoring (16.7 points), rebounds (2.5) and minutes played (31.6) heading into Sunday night’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the BMO Bradley Harris Center. His 3.2 assists were his second highest average over his 12-year career.

“I love playing here,” Redick said. “I love playing with these guys. I love playing for Brett [Brown]. This has been a fantastic experience.”

Right now, the sharpshooter appears to be a likely key piece in the Sixers’ future. However, he recognizes that things can change quickly in this league. He’s seen it happen.

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“So I’m under no grand illusion,” he said. “It’s hopefully something that will work out in the end. We’ve got 20 games left, a lot can change.”

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