What’s Next for Former Sixer Jrue Holiday After Lillard Trade?

Jrue Holiday was included in the Damian Lillard blockbuster trade. Will the Sixers attempt to acquire him?

In order to acquire Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers, the Milwaukee Bucks had to make the tough decision to move the All-Star guard, Jrue Holiday.

In a three-team deal that involved the Bucks, Blazers, and the Phoenix Suns, Holiday ended up on the least favorable squad, considering Portland has entered rebuild territory.

As a 33-year-old starting prospect, Holiday is at the phase of his career where he is looking to add another championship to his resume. Unfortunately, the Blazers aren’t a great fit for him at this time.

What’s Next for Holiday?

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Blazers will continue working the phones to find a way to re-route Holiday. As Portland remains “committed” to its young group of guards, they will attempt to do right by Holiday by finding him a better situation.

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

Could the Sixers Get Involved?

When Damian Lillard hit the trade market, the Sixers had mild interest. Since the Blazers were reportedly eyeing Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers were reluctant to entertain offers that included the former first-round pick out of Kentucky.

Portland discussed serious offers with several suitors, including the Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, and the Bucks, but the 76ers never got close to trading for Lillard.

Perhaps Holiday is a different name they’ll target in the coming days.

According to PHLY’s Kyle Neubeck, the Sixers are interested in “trying to acquire” Holiday. 

The Sixers are interested in trying to acquire Jrue Holiday, per a source familiar with their thinking.

Will obviously be a robust market for him, but Philadelphia expected to see what it'll take to re-route him.

Going to record a quick second pod with @DerekBodnerNBA shortly.

— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) September 27, 2023

Philadelphia’s potential interest in Holiday doesn’t come as a surprise. Not only could the Sixers use a reliable ball-handler who brings value to both ends of the floor at all times, but they have a lot of uncertainty at the point guard position, with James Harden currently unwilling to play for the team.

Last season, Holiday appeared in 67 games for the Bucks. He averaged 19 points, seven assists, and five rebounds while knocking down 38 percent of his threes. His performance earned him a second All-Star nod, edging out James Harden, who was left out of the Eastern Conference’s player pool.

Next season, Holiday is on pace to make $34 million for the year. When he wraps up the 2023-2024 season, Holiday will have a $37 million player option on the table for the following year. As Neubeck reported, Holiday’s market will be “robust.” While he doesn’t have a similar resume as Lillard or Harden, Holiday will certainly have a handful of suitors calling the Blazers when the trade becomes official.

The Sixers will more than likely work on a potential reunion with their former first-round pick, but they’ll enter a competitive market for his services.