2. Trade for Jrue Holiday
Without a doubt one of the most underrated players in the league, Jrue Holiday has excelled over the past two seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans. Having gotten over recurring leg injuries, Holiday’s stellar play has meant he’s been extremely unfortunate not to earn his second All-Star berth, after his initial debut in 2013 as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.
In 67 games, the 6’4″ Holiday averaged 21.2 points, 7.7 assists and 5.0 rebounds in 35.8 minutes per game. Additionally, Holiday was recently named to the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team, whereby he averaged 1.6 steals and 3.1 deflections per game. With his ability to influence the game at both ends of the floor, Holiday is a genuine difference-maker, and thus would require a substantial sacrifice to obtain his services.
With a new executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin on board, the Pelicans recently hit the jackpot in the landing the upcoming No. 1 overall pick. So despite the saga surrounding Anthony Davis wanting to leave, the ability to draft Zion Williamson on June 20 ensures the Pelicans will undoubtedly have an exciting and promising future.
Jrue Holiday scores 32 PTS & dishes out 14 ASTS for the @PelicansNBA. #DoItBig pic.twitter.com/xO355eN8Es
— NBA (@NBA) December 4, 2018
In this deal, the Pelicans secure Josh Richardson on an extremely team-friendly deal for the next three seasons. Still just 25 and one of the more promising swingmen in the league, Richardson is owed $32 .6 million over the next three years. In addition, the Pelicans secure a couple of key rotation pieces in Kelly Olynyk and Derrick Jones Jr.
Furthermore, the Pelicans will receive the Heat’s 2023 first round pick, thus providing Griffin and his team with further reinforcements moving forward.