Draft Picks Could be Key to NBA Contender’s Landing Jrue Holiday

The blockbuster Damian Lillard trade came and went, but now, a new star point guard could be on the move again.

In a league-rippling move, the Trail Blazers finally ended their Damian Lillard era on Wednesday, sending the aging superstar to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team trade.

Lillard’s new landing spot was the highlight of the day, as it likely cemented the Bucks as the new title favorites just weeks before 2023-24 season start.

But the Trail Blazers acquisition of former All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday flew well under the radar, as he could very well be the next star guard on the move.

Despite landing several great physical assets, Portland didn’t come away with as much draft capital as projected. With a new young core in Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Deandre Ayton and more, NBA Draft selections will be key in ushering their newest core into a successful future.

And with Holiday reportedly on the move next, draft picks may very well be the key to landing the point guards talents.

There’s likely to be a number of teams putting themselves in the Holiday sweepstakes. Per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the current shortlist includes the Celtics, Knicks, Heat and Clippers.

Of course, the Trail Blazers could accept any number of young prospects in return. And depending on how they value the former NBA champion, they could even request all of the above. But teams are much less likely to spend all their assets on Holiday than they were Lillard, despite him being a two-way force for the last decade plus.

For any teams wanting to land Holiday, they'll likely need to check their pick cache first.

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