Blazers' Plans for Jrue Holiday Revealed After Blockbuster Trade

Jrue Holiday - Philadelphia 76ers v Milwaukee Bucks

(Photo : Stacy Revere/Getty Images) MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - Jrue Holiday (#21) of the Milwaukee Bucks takes a three point shot during the first half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Fiserv Forum on April 02, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Portland Trail Blazers finally pulled the trigger on trading their all-time leading scorer, Damian Lillard.

In return, they received two-time NBA All-Star guard Jrue Holiday, 2018 NBA Draft first overall pick center DeAndre Ayton, forward Toumani Camara, and a collection of several draft picks.

While the Trail Blazers intend to hold onto most of the assets they've acquired, league insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN has reported that they are actively exploring trade discussions involving Jrue Holiday with championship-contending teams.

"Portland is committed to its young group of talented guards," Woj said on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

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

Why do championship contenders want Jrue Holiday?

Holiday is widely regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders in the game today, and any championship-contending team would instantly get a huge boost on their title aspirations with him on their roster.

The former UCLA standout has consistently showcased his defensive prowess, earning recognition as an All-NBA Defensive Team member in five of the past six seasons.

He received First Team honors in 2018, 2021, and 2023, as well as Second Team honors in 2019 and 2022.

Impressively, at 33, he made his second NBA All-Star game appearance last February, marking a decade since his first one.

Holiday has also shown his ability to be an excellent locker-room presence, winning the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award thrice in 2020, 2022, and 2023.