NBA Trades: 5 winners and losers of the Celtics-Blazers Jrue Holiday deal

By Cal Durrett | Oct 2, 2023

NBA Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the third quarter in Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 15, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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NBA Trade Losers: Philadelphia 76ers

As the 2023–24 season approaches, it seems clear that the Sixers are going to have a big problem with Harden. They agreed to trade him, only to back out and draw his wrath. Now that it seems that no team has interest in him and Harden doesn’t want to play for Philadelphia next season, something has to give.

The 76ers were linked to Holiday but weren’t able to acquire him. Holiday isn’t the offensive player that Harden is, but he is definitely more well-rounded, especially after having a career season at the age of 32.

The Sixers have made other signings to try to minimize losing Harden, including Patrick Beverly and Kelly Oubre. Beverly, along with Holiday, would help shore up the Sixers’ defense, while Oubre would give them a scoring punch off the bench. Instead, the 76ers are left trying to figure out what to do with Harden and watching as another Eastern Conference rival gets better.

This can’t bode well for their chances of keeping MVP Joel Embiid from demanding a trade. Unlike the Bucks, who managed to acquire Lillard to help appease Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Sixers don’t appear to be getting better, which may hurt their relationship with Embiid.

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