The NBA trade market is exactly that – a market. Often, a player’s trade value is determined by who else is – or isn’t – available. With that said, the NBA’s trade market just underwent a tremendous change.
Damian Lillard is off of the market. The Portland Trail Blazers finally traded him. Lillard will suit up for the Milwaukee Bucks next season. With that said, the trade that the Blazers made altered the trade market in more ways than one. They acquired Jrue Holiday, and they’re expected to move him.
Is he the best guard on the market? That depends on who you ask. James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers has still requested a trade. He’s a more dynamic offensive player than Holiday, but some will prefer Holiday’s two-way impact. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers have been frequently linked to Harden. Could they prefer Holiday instead?
The Trade Proposal
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., F Robert Covington, G/F Terrance Mann, 2028 First-Round Pick (LAC)
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G Jrue Holiday
At times, people will try to control the NBA trade market. That’s easier said than done. A market can be controlled to a certain extent, but there is always an invisible hand guiding it. That’s true in the economy, and it’s true in the NBA as well.
Damian Lillard and his agent tried to control the market. They wanted to join the Miami Heat. By all accounts, they tried to dissuade other teams from acquiring Lillard. It didn’t work. Either the Heat weren’t willing to surrender fair value for the star guard, or the Blazers weren’t willing to deal with them.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jrue Holiday, Portland Trail Blazers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Other NBA players should take heed. Harden may be trying to control the market. He seems to want to join the Clippers. With that said, if the Clippers opted to trade for Holiday instead, they wouldn’t have any interest in Harden. Should they prefer Holiday?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
That’s a difficult call to make. Harden is significantly better than Holiday on the offensive end. He’s a more reliable shooter. More significantly, he’s a much better playmaker. The Clippers would surely benefit from adding Harden’s floor vision to their roster.
On the other hand – dear god, the defense if they add Holiday. Has a star trio ever had as much combined defensive acumen as Holiday, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard? We’re not exaggerating. Only Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Ron Harper may compare – and even then, Holiday is a better defender than (the very capable) Harper ever was.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jrue Holiday, Portland Trail Blazers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
This deal gives the Clippers an identity. Meanwhile, Holiday is no slouch on offense, either. His shot is inconsistent, but he can create shots for himself and his teammates. Should the Blazers really part with such a valuable player?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
That’s an easy call to make. The Blazers have to move Holiday. Even if Portland isn’t interested in tanking, the point holds – they have to move Holiday. This team has too much young guard talent to keep him. Between Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons, the Blazers can’t afford to give Holiday the minutes and usage that he deserves.
This deal is a good return for them. The Blazers are receiving two expiring contracts in return for Holiday. Meanwhile, Mann is only 26. Portland could justify hanging onto him. At the same time, if they wanted, they could move him for additional value down the line.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jrue Holiday, Portland Trail Blazers & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Still, this is about landing an unprotected first-rounder above all else. The Blazers seemed to prioritize Deandre Ayton in return for Lillard. That’s fine, but they didn’t get as much draft capital as they could have for the star guard. Now, they need to get an unprotected first for Holiday. After all, that’s a valuable asset in the NBA’s trade market.
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