Jazz should definitely re-visit acquiring two-time NBA champion this offseason

The Utah Jazz know that rebuilding is not just about assembling the most young talent possible. It's also about nurturing that talent the right way, which means bringing in veterans who know how to win.

The Jazz have veterans on the roster who have been part of successful playoff teams, like Jordan Clarkson and John Collins, and while that helps, adding another with championship experience could help Utah's young talent develop winning habits to reach their potential.

It helps to have a player who has been there and knows what it takes, even if he's not the same player he was in his prime. With all of that said, what NBA player fits that bill for the Jazz? The answer is two-time champion Jrue Holiday.

The Jazz had interest in Holiday a year and a half ago, but that never went anywhere because Holiday refused to commit to them long-term. With three years left on his current deal, he no longer has that leverage.

Holiday's not the player he was, but he is widely considered to be one of the best defenders of his era, and played a pivotal role on two title teams. It's very fair to suggest that neither the Celtics nor the Bucks would have won their most recent championships without him.

Holiday quite literally swung playoff games by himself during those title runs.

It's not like Holiday would suddenly make the Jazz a contender, as building one takes time, as is expected from a team rebuilding. However, Holiday's presence would be another step forward.

But why would the Celtics trade Jrue Holiday?

In a nutshell, the Celtics can't afford their current team long-term. The Celtics have assembled a title team, and Holiday plays a role in their success, but with how much they have to pay for him and everybody else, they would have to face major ramifications if they kept him.

Boston is above the NBA's second tax apron for the second year in a row, and if they make it three, there will be consequences for how they handle their draft assets. As good as the Celtics are, they want to stay relevant and flexible. In other words, they want to be able to change up the formula if something's wrong with it, so crossing the second tax apron three years in a row prohibits them from doing so.

Because they likely value Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porzingis because they are unquestionably younger than Holiday, he is likely the odd man out.

So why would the Jazz want Jrue Holiday now?

Besides his championship experience, it's because the Jazz need defense. Despite Walker Kessler's return to form and then some this season, the Jazz still have one of the worst defenses in the NBA. If they don't try to add more, it can hurt their young players not to have that presence that can teach them perimeter defense.

Trading for Holiday won't necessarily lead to wins right away for Utah, but it can lead to more victories in the future. Look at what's happening with the Wizards. They may be among the Jazz's toughest tanking competition, but they acquired guys who have been in plenty of playoff battles, Marcus Smart and Khris Middleton, and they've won more games since then.

It's hard not to think their presence has helped the team figure themselves out, just like it would be hard not to think Holiday could have that same effect on the Jazz. The Jazz could do both themselves and the Celtics a favor by bringing Holiday in. For the record, the Jazz can't simply add Holiday to their payroll, but a trade like this could suffice.

Celtics trade: Holiday

Jazz trade: Collin Sexton, KJ Martin, Svi Mykhailiuk

The Celtics would save money from the trade alone and then save more by waiving almost $12 million in Martin and Mykhailiuk. For the Jazz, not only do they get a badly needed veteran presence in Holiday, but they also clear up a logjam in their frontcourt and open up a few roster spots, which they're going to need with the draft picks they have coming in this year.

The Jazz want this rebuild to go right. Getting their hands on a Cooper Flagg definitely helps because of his talent. Getting someone like Holiday also helps because of what he knows. Even if it may be a while before the Jazz make the playoffs again, getting someone with grit early on is just as important as drafting a franchise player.