Wednesday’s three-team trade agreement that sent seven-time All-Star guard Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Milwaukee Bucks sparked major shock waves across the NBA.
One repercussion of that agreement is the fact veteran two-way guard Jrue Holiday, whom the Bucks jettisoned to Portland to get Lillard, is said to be available via an additional trade.
Instantly, some wondered whether the Los Angeles Lakers might try to make a move for Holiday. Doing so would be tricky, but it could end up being a prudent move to bolster their chances of winning the NBA championship.
Indeed, Miami Heat insider Barry Jackson said the Lakers are one of several teams Holiday is interested in joining (h/t Lakers Daily).
Am told Heat, LA teams, Boston,Chi., Philly are teams of interest to Holiday. (Perhaps others, but those 6 in no order were mentioned to me). Beyond Portland distaste for Heat assets, Miami must reconcile this: Acquiring&giving big new deal next summer makes them tax team for yrs
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) September 28, 2023
In addition to averaging 19.3 points and 7.4 assists a game last season, Holiday is considered one of the league’s best defenders, especially at the point guard position. He also has championship experience, having played on the 2020-21 Milwaukee team that won it all, and he could supply a suddenly young Lakers roster with some veteran experience and smarts.