On Monday, Brian Windhorst released a new episode of his podcast, The Hoop Collective, alongside Tim Bontemps and Kevin Pelton which focused on potential trades for several players around the league. While Windhorst was adamant that their proposals were simply suggestions despite having spoken to some league sources, the deals were still intriguing all the same.
One of the names that, unsurprisingly, came up during a segment was Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday. After spending much of last season in trade talks, Holiday stayed in New Orleans throughout the remainder of the season. However, with the Pelicans missing the playoffs and Holiday now even closer to free agency, his name is likely set to come up again.
Prior to listing trade proposals, Windhorst did talk about Holiday’s candidacy as a trade chip.
“I’m not 100% convinced that the Pelicans are going to move him. I think it’s an option for them. I think it also depends on the coach that they hire and the way that coach wants to play. But they did kick it around…I think it’s on the board.”
The first trade proposed involved Holiday heading to Brooklyn in one of two deals. The initial deal included Holiday and JJ Redick going to the Nets for Caris LeVert, Tauren Prince, one of Nicolas Claxton or Dzanan Musa and Philadelphia’s 2020 first round pick. Bontemps, who put the trade packages together, also noted that a simpler version without Redick would involve New Orleans receiving LeVert, Prince and the pick.
This isn’t the first time Holiday and the Nets have been linked in trade proposals this off-season and it likely won’t be the last. With the Nets looking to consolidate their assets for a third star, Holiday will be a common name mentioned.
The other trade for Holiday included the Nuggets with Holiday heading to Denver for Gary Harris, Bol Bol, Houston’s 2020 first round pick and a future first from Denver. The Nuggets were a team mentioned at the trade deadline as a team vying for Holiday’s services. According to Windhorst, the Nuggets have made it known that Michael Porter Jr. is not available in trade talks, which could be a sticking point for the Pelicans.
Between the two trades, the Nets trade likely is the more appealing package. LeVert has established himself as a solid player, Prince would provide wing depth the team sorely needs and the team could add to its growing pool of draft picks.
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