The Boston Celtics dealt Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in a move that sent Anfernee Simons across the country.
After the trade took place, NBA insider Jake Fischer mentioned that Portland is planning to keep Holiday, despite rumors about a potential buyout.
“There was interest in Jrue Holiday from Sacramento, Dallas and others,” Fischer said. “The plan, for now, is definitely for Portland to keep the veteran point guard, sources say, as the Blazers look to compete in the Western Conference. I’ve seen some wondering whether or not POR would flip him.”
The news of Jrue Holiday potentially staying with the Portland Trail Blazers may come as a big blow for one franchise: the Los Angeles Lakers.
After the trade, Lakers fans urged Los Angeles to acquire Holiday, assuming that a buyout would take place between him and the Trail Blazers.
“JRUE HOLIDAY ON THE MINIMUM PLZ BRO WE CAN GIVE U 25 MINS A NIGHT,” said one fan.
“Blazers need to flip Jrue Holiday to the Lakers for pennies. Sign me up,” said another fan.
“Can we make this a 3 team and reroute jrue holiday and rob will to the lakers,” mentioned one fan.
“Mannn bring Derrick white or jrue holiday to the lakers bruh,” commented one fan.
“Lakers go get jrue holiday and DA NOW,” said one fan.
“Let’s load up that Jrue holiday to the lakers pls,” said another fan.
If the Lakers were to have acquired Jrue Holiday, they would have needed the Portland Trail Blazers to agree to a buyout, which involves three more years in a $134.4 million contract extension he once signed with the Boston Celtics.
Holiday is set to make $32.4 million next season. He eventually has a player option on his contract for the 2027-28 season.
Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.
The Los Angeles Lakers will now need to look toward another weapon, seemingly losing out on one of the best two-way players in the NBA, given the Portland Trail Blazers’ reported decision.
Last season with the Boston Celtics, Holiday posted 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game.
