Best potential trade destinations for Jrue Holiday

There have been some whispers that the New Orleans Pelicans might move Jrue Holiday at the trade deadline. I am not sure how likely a trade is with Zion Williamson set to return and the Pels within striking distance of a playoff spot, but I will entertain the rumors. These are my favorite hits for Holiday.

Orlando Magic

Holiday would be a really nice fit in Orlando. This is a team desperately in need of playmaking and offense, something which he could certainly bring to the table. The Magic are also in need of three-point shooting. Orlando ranks 27th in the league by shooting 33.3% from deep. Holiday is a career 35.4% three-point shooter and the added floor spacing he would bring would certainly help to create space in an often stagnant offense.

Philadelphia 76ers

Just like the Magic, the Sixers need willing three-point shooters. Holiday started his career with Philadelphia and a reunion would probably be a good thing for both parties. The Sixers would add another playmaker to help ease the burden on Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid with a player who could help solve floor spacing issues and is familiar with the city. Holiday would also get to go to a team ready to compete for a title. Considering he’s 29, he might not want to sit through the Pelicans’ building phase. It’s a bit complicated figuring out a trade that could work, but perhaps the Pelicans would be willing to make a trade if they got back Josh Richardson and a handful of future draft picks.

New Orleans Pelicans

Ultimately, I like Holiday where he is. With Zion Williamson seemingly set to return any game now, New Orleans is a dark horse to make the playoffs. If Zion is as good as advertised, this team could be a contender in the Western Conference much sooner than most people realize. As is, the Pelicans are only a few games out of the playoffs and it doesn’t look like it’s going to take many wins to make it as the eight seed. For what it’s worth, 538 gives the Pels a 48% chance to make the playoffs. They have played one of the league’s most difficult schedules and play one of the easiest in the second half of the season. With the team getting healthier and young players like Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball developing, the future is bright in New Orleans. I don’t think they would want to give up on Holiday when it is in the mix as a playoff contender.