Grade the Trade: Knicks push toward contention in mock Jrue Holiday proposal

The biggest ripple effect of Damian Lillard being traded to the Bucks is that Jrue Holiday, who was sent to the Trail Blazers in the three-team deal, is now available. Portland’s officially in rebuilding mode, and the New York Knicks could dip into their assets to trade for Holiday.

The Celtics, Heat, Sixers, and Clippers have been the most mentioned teams that could acquire Holiday, and the Knicks haven’t been talked about enough.

Could the Knicks acquire Jrue Holiday after Damian Lillard blockbuster trade?

Trading for Holiday would be a risky move by New York, but fans shouldn’t put the idea past the front office. If anything, the Knicks could step in to get Holiday, mainly to keep the two-time All-Star guard away from the Sixers, who should be in desperation mode to keep Joel Embiid in Philadelphia.

Holiday has one full year left on his current contract, with a $37.4 million player option for 2024-25. He’s an All-NBA level defender and can help space the floor for the Knicks. Even then, Leon Rose would be taking a gamble in trading for him.