The three-team trade involving Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, and Deandre Ayton may just be the biggest and most sensational trade in the 2023 offseason so far. Lillard got his wish while Ayton can blossom elsewhere. Meanwhile, there are rumors that Portland is intending to trade Holiday again. But, how much is the 33-year-old point guard worth? Let’s find out more about Jrue Holiday’s NBA contract and how much he could be paid next season.
How much is Jrue Holiday’s contract?
In 2021, Jrue Holiday signed a 4-year/$160 Million extension ($135 M base and $20 M+ worth of incentives) with the Milwaukee Bucks – which included a player option – that would have kept him until after the 2024-2025 season. Next season, Holiday will earn a base salary of $34, 954, 667. However, he would now be paid by the Portland Trailblazers or by another team if Rip City decides to move him this offseason.
Jrue Holiday signed a 4 year / $134,997,333 contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, including $134,997,333 guaranteed, and an annual average salary of $33,749,333. In 2023-24, Holiday will earn a base salary of $34,954,667, while carrying a cap hit of $36,861,707
— Tim🍀 (@TimofConcrete) September 28, 2023
Last season, Jrue Holiday made a huge impact on the Milwaukee Bucks by averaging 19.1 points, 7.4 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. Oftentimes, Jrue looked like he was the second-best player on the team. As a result, Holiday would be selected as an All-Star reserve and be named to the All-Defensive team in 2023. Lest we forget, Jrue Holiday was the x-factor for Milwaukee during their 2021 championship title run. After replacing Eric Bledsoe as the starting PG, Holiday became the player the Bucks needed. Without him, they would probably have a hard time dealing with Phoenix Suns’ Chris Paul and Devin Booker.
Which NBA teams should trade for Jrue Holiday?
It’s true that Jrue Holiday is a top-tier point guard in the NBA. He may not be top 5 now, but he is an exceptional player and an even greater defender with his elite defensive abilities. He is a 5-time All-Defensive team member for a reason. With Jrue being available for trade, which title-contending team should make a push for the 2-time All-Star?
Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid x Jrue Holiday
In light of the ongoing James Harden drama, the Philadelphia 76ers should go hard at being the frontrunner to trade for Jrue Holiday. So far, The Beard and Philly haven’t reached an agreement yet, but given that the disgruntled Harden already wants out, the organization should look for another star to pair with the 2023 MVP, Joel Embiid. James Harden specifically said he wants to be traded to the Clippers. However, given that Jrue Holiday is available for trade, the Clippers might just have to change trajectory.
"James Harden still wants a trade and I think he wants a trade to the Clippers..
The Sixers aren't really sure if he's gonna report to training camp next week and we'll see what happens there" ~ @ShamsCharania#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/JdA4coZXzl
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 28, 2023
Miami Heat: The All-Defensive Team
Miami failed big time after not being able to land Damian Lillard after months of negotiation. But, with Jrue Holiday seemingly available in the market (via trade, of course), the Miami Heat could be at the top of the list of suitors for the 5-time All-Defensive Team member. They have to make an aggressive push to take Holiday since the former NBA champion drew interest from various playoff teams. The lockdown defense that Jrue can offer is what the Heat culture is all about.
The Heat are interested in Jrue Holiday, per @RealGM pic.twitter.com/7MLqtzzioI
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 27, 2023
Boston Celtics: JJJ (Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum)
Celtics’ guard Malcolm Brogdon suffered an injury during the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat, resulting in a major setback for the C’s. After the playoffs, it was rumored that the Clippers were heavily interested in trading for Brogdon. Unfortunately, it didn’t go through after the Clippers became wary of his injuries. A few months later, Brogdon is feeling unhappy with the organization which means he could want out soon.
On the other hand, Boston lost 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart a few weeks ago in a blockbuster trade wherein they received Kristaps Porzingis. That being said, the Boston Celtics would be looking for a reliable point guard who, according to Brian Windhorse, has “the defensive leadership of guard Marcus Smart”. Boston could offer Brogdon, Payton Prichard, and some picks for Jrue Holiday.
Brian Windhorst on the Celtics and Jrue Holiday:
"The Celtics have been looking for a Malcolm Brogdon trade since June and have multiple first-round picks to offer for a player who could replace the defensive leadership of guard Marcus Smart." pic.twitter.com/bwle1AeEDJ
— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) September 28, 2023
Los Angeles Lakers: Jrue joins the LeBron-AD tandem
Can the Los Angeles Lakers even make greater moves in the offseason? Rob Pelinka has been surprising everyone so far after getting good players without sacrificing the core. But now that Jrue Holiday is within reach, should the Lakers pursue the 33-year-old point guard? They can, however, make a deal focused on D’Angelo Russell. Unfortunately, they either have to do it now or by Dec.15 (due to contract extension rules).
Should the Lakers trade D'Angelo Russell in a package for Jrue Holiday? pic.twitter.com/nf7hyF5ssb
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) September 28, 2023
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers wanted Malcolm Brogdon back in June, but problems arose resulting in a collapse in the supposed trade. Then, unsurprising news broke out that James Harden wanted out of Philadelphia. Los Angeles and Philly were in ongoing talks to acquire Harden, but the Sixers were reluctant to what the Clippers were offering. The good news for them is that they can pursue Jrue Holiday instead. Aside from Russell Westbrook, the Clippers lack a good playmaker. Not only can Holiday fill that hole, but he can also be a defensive nightmare alongside Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. That is if they are all healthy.
BREAKING: A source tells Legion Hoops that the Los Angeles Clippers are “heavily pursuing” Jrue Holiday from the Blazers.
This comes after the 76ers have been unwilling to deal James Harden this offseason. pic.twitter.com/lXetUkdwr6
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 28, 2023
Chicago Bulls
Should the Chicago Bulls get in on this? They’ve been missing the presence of Lonzo Ball due to a season-ending knee injury. The Bulls organization decided to run it back with stars DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine as the team’s core. But, they seem to lack another star in order to compete in a stacked Eastern Conference.
The #Bulls need to get on a call with the #Blazers to trade for Jrue Holiday ASAP pic.twitter.com/CgWoEUBLCi
— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@DieHardCBfans) September 27, 2023
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