Jared Woodcox’s pick – Jrue Holiday
Although Jrue Holiday is presumably unavailable, J-Noter Jared Woodcox believes the Jazz should still aim to pursue him with all they’ve got.
I know, I know. It’s already been reported that the New Orleans Pelicans have no intent to trade Jrue Holiday. But then again, originally there were reports that the Pels had no interest in dealing Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers, but since then the two teams have certainly been in conversations.
Both initial reports could ultimately be right – Jrue could stay put and perhaps the Pelicans will refrain from doing business with the Lakers. But my point is this: At the trade deadline, you can’t believe all that you hear. And there’s plenty of reasons to believe that Holiday could actually be very much available in a trade.
As the Pelicans look to start anew in the wake of Davis explaining he has no plans to re-sign once he hits free agency, and after hearing Holiday admit that playing with AD was a major reason why he agreed to stay in New Orleans, it makes a lot of sense to deal him and fully embrace the rebuild. If the Pelicans pivot and go that route, the Jazz should be all over it.
I agree with several of my colleagues that Mike Conley is a fascinating target to pick up, but Holiday is nearly three years younger, has been much healthier the past two seasons and has been a better scorer the past two years than the Grizzlies point guard. Holiday would similarly be an ideal floor general, a prolific running mate in the backcourt alongside Donovan Mitchell and an elite defender to fit Utah’s mold and wreak havoc on opposing teams.
Holiday is under contract longer than Conley, but the exceptional playmaking and skill that he brings would be worth the risk. He’d be a stabilizing force for the Jazz on offense and make them even better defensively. Consider the advantage he has in upside over Conley, and he’s my choice for ideal Jazz trade target at this week’s deadline.
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