Kofi Inkoom
The NBA community was set ablaze with the news of Damian Lillard’s move to the Milwaukee Bucks.
The trade, reported by none other than the trusted insider Adrian Wojnaroski, has reshaped the league’s landscape.
Damian Lillard, the all star point guard and beloved face of the Portland Trail Blazers, has found a new home in Milwaukee.
But the story doesn’t end there. According to Adrian Wojnaroski’s further reports, the Portland Trail Blazers aren’t hitting the pause button on their trade dealings.
Instead, they are actively engaged in discussions with contending teams, with their sights set on moving Jrue Holiday.
This decision underscores Portland’s commitment to nurturing their young cadre of talented guards.
Jrue Holiday, the former Bucks star, has become a hot commodity in the aftermath of the trade.
Numerous teams have expressed interest in acquiring the seasoned point guard, but the Philadelphia 76ers seem to be leading the charge as frontrunners.
The Sixers are interested in Jrue Holiday, per @KyleNeubeck pic.twitter.com/vcBr99swTe
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 27, 2023
Reports suggest that the Sixers are actively pursuing a deal to secure Jrue Holiday’s services, indicating their clear intent to bolster their roster.
The trade market for Jrue Holiday is expected to be highly competitive, given his proven track record and valuable skill set.
While many teams are likely to join the race for his signature, the Philadelphia 76ers are poised to make a serious bid, as they seek to solidify their position as contenders.
Perhaps, a potential trade for Jrue Holiday could offer the Philadelphia 76ers an opportunity to distance themselves from James Harden’s trade request and his public criticism of the team’s president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, during the offseason.
Shedding the constant media attention surrounding Harden could allow the team to refocus its efforts on contending for an NBA championship.
Furthermore, Jrue Holiday brings a wealth of experience and championship pedigree to the 76ers. This could be instrumental in propelling a team centered around the reigning league MVP, Joel Embiid, to the next level, particularly after their recent playoff disappointments.
The envisioned trio of Embiid, Holiday, and Tyrese Maxey would present a formidable challenge for opposing teams, offering versatility and playmaking abilities at point guard, on the wing, and in the low post.
Additionally, Jrue Holiday’s elite defensive skills would be a valuable addition, especially in contrast to James Harden’s defensive limitations.
With five All-Defensive selections to his name, Holiday is known for consistently taking on the task of guarding the opposing team’s primary ball-handler.
In the Eastern Conference, where formidable guards like Damian Lillard pose significant challenges, the 76ers would benefit immensely from an elite perimeter defender like Holiday.
His defensive prowess would provide the team with a crucial advantage in the race for the Eastern Conference title.
The intrigue doesn’t end there, as fans are already circling their calendars for Damian Lillard’s debut in a Milwaukee Bucks uniform, slated for Thursday, October 26th.
It’s worth noting that Lillard is set to face off against none other than Jrue Holiday, should the latter be traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.