Jrue Holiday’s Next Move: Where the Two-Time All-Star May Land as the Trade Talks Heat Up
The New Trail Blazer Craves for a Winning Team
In the hectic world of NBA trades, one name stands out this week—Jrue Holiday. Freshly acquired by the Portland Trail Blazers, the 33-year-old two-time All-Star is already causing a stir in the trade market. Teams are lining up, analysts are buzzing, and the clock is ticking as we approach NBA media day.
“Per SNY.tv’s Ian Begley, teams that have shown interest in Holiday believe he ‘prefers to be in a situation where he can win and potentially sign an extension.'”
A Preference for Contenders
With the ink barely dry on his move to Portland as part of the Damian Lillard trade with the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns, reports are swirling that Holiday is already eyeing a spot on a contending team.
“ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Portland is ‘expected to engage contending teams’ in trade talks involving the 33-year-old.”
With the Lakers, Clippers, Heat, Sixers, Celtics, and Bulls on his wishlist, one thing is clear: Holiday wants to be in a title race.
“Per Anthony Chiang and Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls are among the teams Holiday would have interest in playing for.”
Who’s In the Mix?
For any teams looking to get a jump on negotiations, the key might lie in draft assets. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst pointed to the New Orleans Pelicans and the New York Knicks as franchises with compelling draft assets that might tempt the Trail Blazers into a deal.
“ESPN’s Brian Windhorst cited the New Orleans Pelicans and New York Knicks as teams with draft assets that would be very appealing to Portland if they wanted to get in the mix.”
However, not everyone is in the running. After assessing the landscape, the Sacramento Kings decided not to make a push for Holiday, taking one team out of the equation.
For those Kings fans wondering, I’m told Sacramento won’t be part of the Jrue Holiday sweepstakes. They looked at it (naturally), like so many other teams, but aren’t in the mix.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) September 29, 2023
Sixers: All In for Holiday?
One team that seems all in on Holiday is the Philadelphia 76ers. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Sixers are “going to be going hard” in their efforts to acquire Holiday.
“The Athletic’s Shams Charania said on The Pat McAfee Show there is a ‘good chance’ Holiday gets traded before NBA media day on Monday. He added that the Sixers are ‘going to be going hard’ in their efforts to acquire the veteran point guard.”
A High-Stakes Player
While the buzz intensifies around his next move, let’s not forget what Holiday brings to the table. He’s one of the most formidable two-way guards in the NBA, earning a spot on the All-Defensive team five times in the last six seasons. Not to mention his impressive stats from last season with the Bucks: 19.3 points, 47.9 percent shooting from the field, 7.4 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game.
Final Notes
Holiday’s trade story has the makings of an NBA blockbuster. With a highly desirable skill set and a palpable desire for championship contention, his next move will undoubtedly send shockwaves through the league. Stay tuned as we track every dribble, pass, and trade talk revolving around this high-stakes player.
And remember, with Holiday entering the final guaranteed season of his $34.95 million contract, the clock is ticking louder than ever.
“Holiday is entering the final guaranteed season of his current contract. He will earn $34.95 million in 2023-24 with a $37.4 million player option for 2024-25.”
So, what will be Holiday’s next move? Only time will tell.
