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Jrue Holiday: 5 potential landing spots in free agency

By Brendan Galella

Oct 23, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) against the Miami Heat during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) against the Miami Heat during the first half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) dunks over New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) dunks over New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

1. New Orleans Pelicans

Jrue Holiday has yet to test free agency since being selected with the 17th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. Just before his rookie deal was set to expire, Holiday signed a four-year, $46 million deal minutes before the deadline.

This time, there is no clock ticking.

The additional time is exactly what the Pelicans can use to their advantage, placing an emphasis on the additional $44 million the team can offer over any other team in the league this summer.

Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry has expressed his desire for the team to retain Holiday in free agency this summer, believing the presence of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, along with Holiday, could lead to his best season in New Orleans yet.

Five of the nine players currently under contract for next season are slated to earn over $8 million, so if Holiday is retained with a max deal, the Pelicans will have to round out the roster with players willing to take a reduced salary. However, it’s unlikely Holiday earns a full max contract, given his injury history.

Next: 5 potential landing spots for Chris Paul in free agency

New Orleans will likely make Holiday a priority in free agency, with several other teams hoping he becomes their starting point guard.

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