After missing out on Damian Lillard, the Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly eyeing another All-Star guard to complement Joel Embiid and James Harden.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Portland Trail Blazers dealt their franchise star to the Milwaukee Bucks in a three-team deal involving the Phoenix Suns. Portland received 2018 first overall pick Deandre Ayton and veteran All-Star guard Jrue Holiday as part of the return.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski shared the details of the blockbuster trade, adding that Portland is expected “to immediately” talk to other teams about trading for Holiday.
According to Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports, the 76ers have interest in trading for Holiday, who spent his first four professional seasons with the club (2009-10 to 2012-13). Holiday earned his first of two career All-Star nods in 2013, averaging 17.7 points per game.
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The 76ers were among the teams widely mentioned as a possible landing spot for Lillard, but it was one of their main conference rivals who won the sweepstakes. This puts additional pressure on Philly to make another big move to compete in the East, and a player like Holiday could certainly help on that front.
Last season, Holiday averaged 19.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. Philly’s offense is led by reigning MVP Joel Embiid and disgruntled star James Harden, but perhaps Holiday’s arrival would convince Harden to rescind his trade demand and pursue a championship with the 76ers again.
