NBA: 7 players who could be on the trade block this summer

1. Jrue Holiday

A less likely name to watch is Jrue Holiday of the New Orleans Pelicans. While they may not expect to deal him this summer, there’s a feeling teams will revisit acquiring the defensive standout.

With Zion Williamson making a late debut in January, the Pelicans were in no hurry to trade away any of their personnel. But now that they’ve had time to evaluate his fit with the pieces around him, they may very well give in to whichever lucrative offer finds it’s way to their front office.

Holiday averaged 19.6 points, 6.9 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.7 steals this season. He’s one of (if not the) best two-way guards in the league. The Denver Nuggets reportedly made a strong push at the trade deadline to make a splash and land the point guard, but New Orleans declined.

This summer is likely the peak value for any return involving Holiday. He’s got two years and $52-million left on his deal, with a player option for the 2021-2022 season.

And with Brandon Ingram’s restricted free agency the Pelicans’ largest priority, they may edge out Holiday in return for younger, cheaper pieces or draft compensation. A 29-year-old doesn’t necessarily fit the Zion-Pelicans timeline, making him the obvious odd man out.

Other teams to watch are the Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat, who’ll both likely be active on the trade market this summer.