The Portland Trail Blazers completed a blockbuster trade that involved their franchise player Damian Lillard. Through a trade with the Bucks, they received veteran guard Jrue Holiday in return. Given the nature of the Blazers’ roster, there will likely be more activity before the 2023-24 NBA season.
However, rumors exist that the Blazers could shop around Holiday instead of keeping him. On that note, the Sixers could trade for the Blazers’ Holiday in this bold proposal.
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: G James Harden
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Jrue Holiday
The trade would include only one player for each team due to salary cap restrictions. Therefore, the 76ers would have to give up their star player, James Harden. That won’t be difficult to do because he has already expressed his frustrations with general manager Daryl Morey in the handling of his future.
Harden has only one year left in his contract, while Jrue Holiday has two years remaining. That could work out for both teams, who seem to have no clue what direction they would want to go in the next few years.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jrue Holiday, Portland Trail Blazers & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Both teams have their own interest in mind. By testing out the outcome of this trade, it could lead to long-term ramifications. Here is some insight into why each team might want to make this trade happen.
Why The Philadelphia 76ers Make The Deal
The 76ers are in a dire need situation to make the best of what they have. In the last five years, they have failed to make it past the Conference Semi-finals. It has been a disappointment, considering they have tried to improve the team. Joel Embiid, the reigning MVP of the league, has also said that he looks to win a championship, even if it is elsewhere.
Trusting the process has been the team’s motto for several years now, and it seems patience hasn’t been paying off. The 76ers could use someone like Holiday on their team because it drastically improves their defense in the guard/wing position. That has been missing since the addition of Harden, who is not necessarily known for his defense.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jrue Holiday, Portland Trail Blazers & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Additionally, Holiday brings in a veteran leadership with championship experience. He can also put up points and set up his teammates. He averaged 19 points and seven assists last season while being named to the NBA All-Defensive first team. Essentially, the 76ers improve on both ends of the court and keep Embiid happy for at least the next two years.
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Make The Deal
The Blazers gave up their best player in Lillard. They also traded away Jusuf Nurkic in the deal that sent him to Phoenix. Now, it looks like the team is headed into rebuilding mode and focusing on their young guards. That includes draft pick Scoot Henderson.
The only reason the Blazers would make this trade with the 76ers is to possibly get back a piece they can use in another trade. It has been said before that Harden would like to go to the Clippers, which Portland could facilitate. In that way, they can ask for young players in return, which fits what they currently have. The Clippers could be contenders now through that trade.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jrue Holiday, Portland Trail Blazers & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Otherwise, if the Blazers decide to keep Harden, it would not be such a bad idea. He only has one year remaining in his contract. He can still put up points on the board for a team that would struggle to fill the void Lillard left. Also, if he decides to play the facilitator role, he is more than capable. He has averaged nine assists in the last five years in the league.
Both the Blazers and 76ers have to decide on what the backcourt could look like. With Harden and Holiday nearing the end of their contracts, they can be part of a deal that keeps both teams happy for the short term. It also gives them leverage on what they can do next.
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