After the Portland Trail Blazers landed Ja Morant from the Memphis Grizzlies, many turned their attention to Jrue Holiday as the next potential domino to fall. Not only did Portland suddenly have a logjam at the point guard position, but Holiday's steep contract also made him a trade candidate.
The Blazers could still trade Holiday before the start of the 2026-27 season if they get an offer that's too good to refuse. They should at least be open to listening to what's out there, as Holiday's resurgence in his first year in Portland boosted his value around the league.
However, as of now, Portland intends to keep Holiday around, meaning they'd likely have to be blown away with an offer.
Jrue Holiday will help solve the Blazers' roster puzzle
It's Holiday's versatility that has made him one of the best two-way guards of the last decade-plus. And that's exactly why, despite having four starting-caliber point guards on the roster, the Blazers believe they can make it work.
If this were just about any other guard in the league, Portland would immediately have to make a follow-up move. They have the luxury of Holiday being able to play far bigger than his 6-foot-4 frame suggests. He even held his own for stretches against Victor Wembanyama in the playoffs!
It remains to be seen what starting unit new head coach Micah Nori will roll out to start the season. He recently mentioned the possibility of bringing Ja Morant off the bench if it comes to that.
It seems like six players are competing for five spots between Morant, Holiday, Damian Lillard, Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, and Donovan Clingan. Considering Nori has half-jokingly said that Lillard will start as long as he's able to walk, one would assume that leaves Morant, Holiday, and Camara competing for the two remaining spots.
While it will be difficult to distribute minutes in this backcourt, the one thing Nori has working in his favor is the versatility of Holiday, Camara, and Avdija. That's beneficial for a team that's primarily comprised of point guards and centers, allowing him to effectively go small or big when necessary.
There's a reason Holiday has two championships on his resume and seems to elevate teams' ceilings wherever he lands. Many point to his elite defense, and rightfully so, but it's also his unselfishness in buying into that versatility, embracing his role and whatever is required of him in that particular moment.
Some may look at the age, contract, or Portland's positional situation as reasons to move on from Holiday. But that also overlooks the reasons they brought him in to stay after trading for him (yet again). Holiday is an unselfish, low-maintenance, and versatile star who has embraced being in Portland -- that can't fly under the radar considering how difficult a time they've had convincing Giannis Antetokounmpo and other stars to want to be here.
They finally have someone buying into this city and his role, and it's exactly why this guard logjam should work with him in it.
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