Word on Sixers: Should Philly Acquire Blazers’ Jrue Holiday?

The Trail Blazers landed Jrue Holiday in the three-team blockbuster Damian Lillard trade. Suddenly, the Sixers are in the market for a reunion.

The NBA saw its first blockbuster trade in months on Wednesday afternoon, as the Portland Trail Blazers finally found a way to put an end to the Damian Lillard saga.

For months, the Blazers were expected to send Damian Lillard to the Miami Heat, as the seven-time All-Star made it clear that his preference was Miami or bust.

The Heat faded, and the Toronto Raptors suddenly swooped in and became the favorites to land the guard. As expected, it was clear Lillard didn’t want to head to a Raptors team that missed the playoffs just last season.

Well, he didn’t end up in Miami or Toronto, but Lillard did land on a contender. The Milwaukee Bucks shocked the basketball world on Wednesday and snagged Lillard in a three-team deal, which included the Phoenix Suns. Now, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have the star guard on their roster for years to come.

The Philadelphia 76ers didn’t have too much involvement with the Lillard saga. Although they reportedly reached out with interest back in July, there was never any real traction between Portland and Philadelphia on a trade this offseason. 

Soon, that could change.

With the Blazers landing Bucks guard Jrue Holiday in the blockbuster, they aren’t expected to keep the 33-year-old ball-handler on their roster. Seeing as though the Blazers have entered a soft rebuild and possess a youthful backcourt at this time, Holiday’s presence on the roster doesn’t make much sense. Therefore, Portland will do what it takes to flip Holiday in a deal.

That’s where the Sixers come in, yet again. To no surprise at all, the Sixers were linked to Holiday, according to several reports. With the James Harden saga unresolved in Philadelphia and Holiday’s name looming in the rumor mill, there’s a lot of discussion surrounding a potential reunion with the 76ers for the former first-round pick.

76ers Get First Crack at Damian Lillard, Bucks

Let’s take a look at some of the key perspectives regarding the Holiday-Sixers topic.

What's the Word on the Sixers?

Would the Sixers be Wise to Pursue? - Philly Voice

“If it materializes, he’d form a dynamic pick-and-roll duo defensively with Embiid. They’d wreak havoc together. Adding him would ultimately salvage a pretty messy Harden situation. The guard trio of Holiday, De’Anthony Melton and Patrick Beverley would constantly insulate Tyrese Maxey as well and protect him from assuming the stiffest point-of-attack tests. Holiday and Maxey are a harmonic pairing on both ends.”

Sixers Among Landing Spots for Jrue Holiday - CBS Sports

“Maybe there's another three-team trade in here that would involve the Los Angeles Clippers finally getting James Harden, Philadelphia getting Holiday and the Blazers getting more assets back. It would be a win-win scenario for the Clippers and Sixers, and it would serve as a full-circle moment for Holiday who started his career with the Sixers back in 2009. Just like with every team on this list, Holiday would fit perfectly next to reigning MVP Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. While Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo have far different games, Holiday already has experience playing alongside a dominant big man and would know how to help elevate Embiid's game to an even higher level.”

Might a Holiday Sixers homecoming happen in the wake of the Lillard trade? - Liberty Ballers

“Ultimately, Holiday would be a great on-court fit who is a tremendous individual off the court and has the added nostalgia factor of having played four seasons in Philadelphia. Still, the cap situation is slightly tricky, the Sixers aren’t exactly loaded for bear with trade assets, and the Harden saga has everything murky. It makes sense for the Sixers to be interested and make calls, and I’m sure Morey can cook up some more creative ways to get this done, but there’s not a no-brainer deal I see that makes Jrue Holiday a Sixer. Don’t let me stop you from dreaming and hitting the trade machine, though.” 

Jrue Holiday’s Top Landing Spots - Bleacher Report

“Holiday is a downgrade from Harden in terms of scoring and playmaking, but his defense is something the Sixers sorely need to help cover for Tyrese Maxey in the backcourt. He's also well-acquainted with playing alongside a bigger star who likes to operate out of the paint. Pairing him with Joel Embiid wouldn't be a shock to the system.”

Lillard Isn’t Coming to the Sixers, but Jrue Holiday Might - Philadelphia Inquirer

“Holiday, 33, is a two-time All-Star and a five-time All-Defensive performer. He averaged 19.3 points, 7.4 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals last season and has a reputation of being one of the NBA’s best defenders, which would buoy a Sixers team that has struggled to contain on the perimeter. The Sixers tried to reacquire Holiday on multiple occasions during his tenure with the Pelicans, according to sources.”