Wednesday’s Damian Lillard trade shocked the NBA community. Not because he and Jrue Holiday were traded, but mostly because the Miami Heat weren’t involved. But the Lillard trade could set off a bit of a domino effect, with Holiday, a two-time All-Star, now expected to be traded again.
The Portland Trail Blazers may have liked the idea of adding value to their Lillard trade return, with Holiday no doubt the most valuable asset they received. But that doesn’t mean the former NBA champion is set to play a single minute in a Blazers uniform.
Instead, the Blazers are likely to send the five-time member of the All-Defensive team to a more competitive situation where he’ll be given a chance to earn his second NBA Finals trophy. Holiday, 33, does not fit Portland’s competitive timeline, plus, they’re already set to move forward with top Rookie of the Year candidate Scoot Henderson at point guard.
If the Blazers are eager to make a move, they seem to have no shortage of suitors, with teams such as Boston, Philadelphia, and many other contenders already linked to a potential trade.
Related: Jrue Holiday reportedly eyeing trade to one of 6 NBA teams
In fact, some, like NBA insider Shams Charania, believe there is a “good chance” Holiday will be traded before Monday.
- Jrue Holiday’s stats last season: 19.3 PPG, 7.4 APG, 5.1 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 38% 3PT
Holiday is under contract for $36.8 million this season, and he has a player option for the 2024-25 league year. After that, Holiday is set for free agency in what will be his age-35 season. Like many others have done, Holiday may opt out of that $39.4 million player option in an effort to secure more long-term security, but the choice is his.
He also has the option of signing a multi-year extension right now, or with the team he lands with once a trade commences. As one of the best two-way point guards in the NBA, it shouldn’t be long until a top candidate emerges via trade.
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