The Portland Trailblazers are currently planning to engage in trade talks to send Jrue Holiday to a championship-contending team. Since this news broke out, a lot of teams seem to be very interested in the services that Holiday can offer. Some franchises that are being thrown into the discussion are the Lakers, Clippers, Heat, Sixers, Knicks, Celtics, and even the Warriors are jumping in on this. With a lot of choices, which team best suits the 5-time All-Defensive guard? Here are 3 teams that perfectly fit Jrue Holiday.
The Blazers remain engaged elsewhere on deals and will are expected to immediately engage contending teams on trade talks to move on Jrue Holiday, sources tell ESPN. Portland is committed to its young group of talented guards. https://t.co/6IR7bcFVrr
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 27, 2023
Jrue Holiday teaming up with MVP Joel Embiid in the Philadelphia 76ers makes a great contending team
The Embiid and Harden project ended on a sour note after the disgruntled James Harden started calling out the Sixers organization, especially Daryl Morey. After the Ben Simmons drama, Philadelphia just can’t catch a break. Despite JoJo’s breakout season, the Sixers were nowhere near the success they thought they would achieve this year. Eventually, James Harden would find a way to get into another team, just like what he did with the Rockets and Nets.
"James Harden still wants a trade and I think he wants a trade to the Clippers..
The Sixers aren't really sure if he's gonna report to training camp next week and we'll see what happens there" ~ @ShamsCharania#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/JdA4coZXzl
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 28, 2023
Well, now that another reliable point guard is available, should the Sixers make a run for Jrue Holiday? Who would say no to a Joel Embiid and Jrue Holiday tandem in the East? That idea sounds very compelling and would make a case for the best duo in the NBA. Not only will Holiday fit in the team, but the 2-time All-Star will fill the hole that Harden made. He may be even fit because he can be the go-to guy on the defensive end. Moreover, Holiday is a good playmaker and passer, which is the pair that Embiid needs.
Jrue Holiday can create an All-Defensive squad with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo in the Miami
Get ready for “Holiday” in Miami. To recuperate the disappointment of not being able to acquire Damian Lillard, why don’t the Miami Heat trade for Jrue Holiday instead? They will not only lose less assets, but they will also improve their lineup. Imagine a first five featuring Jrue Holiday, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo. Can you think how nightmarish that defensive lineup would be against other teams? All three of these guys have made the All-Defensive team at least four times!
The Heat are interested in Jrue Holiday, per @RealGM pic.twitter.com/7MLqtzzioI
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 27, 2023
Right now, the Heat are desperate to have a guy like Holiday. A playmaker who also plays defense is a necessity in today’s game. Plus, Kyle Lorwry is old and isn’t the same guy he used to be 5 years ago.
The Boston Celtics are really in need of a replacement for Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon
The Boston Celtics traded Marcus Smart during the offseason and Malcolm Brogdon is unhappy with the organization (which could lead to him wanting out soon). Fortunately for them, Portland will be shipping Jrue Holiday soon. That is if the C’s offer a great deal to the Blazers.
Brian Windhorst on the Celtics and Jrue Holiday:
"The Celtics have been looking for a Malcolm Brogdon trade since June and have multiple first-round picks to offer for a player who could replace the defensive leadership of guard Marcus Smart." pic.twitter.com/bwle1AeEDJ
— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) September 28, 2023
According to a report, Portland would need at least two first-round picks and some promising young players, and that is just to start the conversation. If they get Jrue, the Celtics may increase their odds in the NBA championship. Right now, the Bucks have the best odds with a +360, while Boston comes in second at +490.
How would Holiday fit in the Celtics system? The answer to that is that he is somewhat a better version of Marcus Smart. Smart, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year, was an essential part of the Celtics during his stint in Boston. Although Jrue Holiday is no DPOY winner, he’s just as tenacious as Smart. He is, however, a better scorer and playmaker. With him on the court, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown could ease off a bit on both ends of the floor.
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