Sometimes, a piece of news rocks the NBA world. Recently, we got some news of that nature. The Portland Trail Blazers have finally traded Damian Lillard. Just as significantly, he isn’t joining the Miami Heat.
Instead, Lillard will be joining Giannis Antetokoumnpo on the Milwaukee Bucks. Heat fans are reeling. Lillard has been linked to Miami for months now. He was allegedly only willing to join the Heat. The idea of teaming up with a recent MVP winner was appealing to him as well. The Bucks should be a major player in the NBA’s title race in 2023-24.
The return that Portland received for Lillard was interesting. Deandre Ayton was a sensible acquisition as a young big man. The Blazers received some draft capital as well. With that said, they also added Jrue Holiday. By all accounts, Portland only acquired him to flip him as soon as possible. Here are three teams that we think should take a look at him.
Miami Heat
This was the logical starting point here. Who else could we name? The Miami Heat came up short in the race for Lillard. So, they still need a starting point guard. Why not Holiday?
In some respects, he feels like a better fit for Miami. Lillard is a considerably better offensive player, but the defensive gap is almost as large – in the opposite direction. Holiday is one of the best defensive guards in the NBA. Typically, that’s a quality that the Heat value. Don’t be surprised if rumors about a Heat/Blazers deal start to ramp up again.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jrue Holiday, Portland Trail Blazers & Miami Heat Updates
Unless, of course, Miami isn’t willing to part with the necessary value to land Holiday. The Heat played hardball in Lillard negotiations, and it backfired. If the same scenario plays out again, the Blazers could look at a different Eastern Conference contender.
Boston Celtics
It’s interesting. The Miami Heat have an easy enough route to acquiring Holiday. They could send out Kyle Lowry, a player on a rookie contract and an unprotected first. By contrast, it’s a little more complicated for the Boston Celtics to match his salary. Negotiations would start with Malcolm Brogdon and an unprotected first. What comes next?
Boston could send Al Horford. Are they willing to take that kind of hit to their front court to add Holiday? Kristaps Porzingis and Robert Williams III are injury-prone – Horford is an insurance policy. Alternatively, Boston could include Payton Pritchard and cobble together a couple of smaller contracts to get a deal done.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jrue Holiday, Portland Trail Blazers & Boston Celtics Updates
We’ll see if they’re interested. It may not be an easy acquisition, but Holiday would be a perfect addition to this roster. On the other hand, if Boston decides that it’s not worth the hassle, there’s a third Eastern Conference contender who could have an interest in Holiday.
Philadelphia 76ers
If the Philadelphia 76ers got involved, it would likely mean the departure of James Harden. His contract is a near-perfect match for Holiday’s, and he’s requested a trade of his own. There is enough reason to believe the Sixers could be interested in reuniting with Holiday.
He might even make them a better team. Holiday doesn’t have Harden’s playmaking chops, but as with Lillard, he’s a gulf apart from him as a defender. Meanwhile, Tyrese Maxey is steadily developing as a shot creator. If he takes another leap, the Sixers could benefit from the presence of a two-way player like Holiday.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jrue Holiday, Portland Trail Blazers & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Will Daryl Morey follow that logic? Time will tell. Morey is a notoriously star-obsessed GM, and Holiday doesn’t have Harden’s name value. Still, in terms of basketball, this could be a mutually beneficial arrangement. Wherever Holiday lands, expect it to make a lot of news when he’s moved.
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