Will Clippers Pivot From James Harden to Explore Jrue Holiday Trade?
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The Philadelphia 76ers seem pleased to find out that the Milwaukee Bucks have moved on from Jrue Holiday. Shortly after the Portland Trail Blazers concluded the Damian Lillard saga by sending him East and landing Holiday in return, it was reported that the Blazers plan to re-route Holiday.
The Sixers were quickly linked to the veteran guard, who started his career in Philadelphia. However, if and when the Sixers reach out to the Blazers to inquire, they will be entering a crowded market for the two-time All-Star ball-handler.
In a perfect world, the Sixers find a way to replace the disgruntled James Harden with Holiday. That would require a third team to get involved since the Blazers’ timeline doesn’t align with Harden’s, hence the reason why they don’t want to hold onto Holiday in the first place.
The Los Angeles Clippers have expressed interest in Harden throughout the offseason, and they are the desired landing spot for the Sixers’ ten-time All-Star. The Sixers, Clippers, and Blazers could discuss a three-team deal, routing one guard to Los Angeles and the other to Philadelphia, but the Clippers could take a different route for themselves.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Clippers are interested in Holiday as well. While the NBA Insider didn’t note whether or not the Clippers value one potential trade prospect more than the other, Holiday’s history and contract situation could leave the Clippers favoring the former Bucks guard more than Harden.
“The Celtics, 76ers in the East. The Clippers in the West.. Any team that is trying to win and keep up with the arms race in the East with Milwaukee attracting Damian Lillard in this deal, they want in on Jrue Holiday.” pic.twitter.com/fHKys4N11C
— Philadelphia 76ers on SI (@76ersonSI) September 28, 2023
In terms of contracts, Holiday is set to make $34 million for the upcoming season, while Harden is owed $35.6 million. Next season, Holiday has a $37 million player option that will be available to him. Meanwhile, Harden will become a free agent and is ineligible to sign an extension beforehand.
With the future of Harden uncertain, the Clippers could also hesitate to make a move for him due to the fact that Harden’s two ventures following his long run in Houston ended on a bad note. Less than two years in Brooklyn, Harden forced his way out. Prior to his third season with the Sixers, Harden is in a standoff heading into training camp for the second time in his career.
The Clippers already hesitated to give the Sixers what they wanted for Harden, which led to both organizations agreeing to shut down trade discussions. While getting Holiday in return for Harden would definitely satisfy the Sixers heading into the 2023-2024 season, the Clippers might favor landing Holiday themselves at this point.
Soon, we’ll see where the Holiday situation is headed.