The Portland Trail Blazers have traded for Jrue Holiday again, but this time, he’s expected to stay. Last year, Holiday was briefly on the Blazers after being traded from Milwaukee, but the team sent him to the Boston Celtics soon after. Now, Portland has brought him back by trading Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks.
This move shows that the Blazers have a plan. They are building their team around young players like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Adding a veteran like Holiday can help those players grow. He brings experience, leadership, and is still known as one of the best defenders in the NBA.
Portland wants to become a strong defensive team. They had the best defensive rating in the league in April and hope to follow a path similar to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who just won the NBA Championship with great defense. Holiday fits that plan well. If he can improve his offense next season, the trade will already be seen as a win.
Why Portland’s trade for Jrue Holiday is better than you think:
The Blazers had a top five defensive rating after the All-Star Break. In the short term, Jrue Holiday can help them take another step forward and he is a way better fit next to the core pieces on the roster.
This…
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 24, 2025
Last season, Holiday averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. There’s always a chance the Blazers might trade him again later if a better option comes up, but for now, they want him to help lead the team.
The Trail Blazers are hoping to start winning from the beginning of next season. However, the Western Conference is full of strong teams. If Portland were in the Eastern Conference, their playoff chances would be much better. As things stand, they will be competing hard just to reach the 7th or 8th seed.
Sam, a dedicated blogger, has immersed himself in the world of content creation for the past five years. His journey reflects a profound passion for storytelling and insightful commentary. Beyond the digital realm, Sam is a devoted NBA enthusiast, seamlessly blending his love for sports with his writing pursuits.