The Jrue Holiday-to-Philadelphia buzz can cool off for now.
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Portland Trail Blazers are not discussing a buyout with Holiday, which shuts down the idea that the former Celtics guard is on a path to the 76ers. Fischer wrote, “Had plenty of Sixers fan friends text me graphics, but no… Jrue Holiday is not in talks with Portland about securing a buyout, per sources, and is therefore not bound for Philadelphia or any team aside from the Trail Blazers.”
That matters because Holiday’s name instantly sparked fantasy in Philadelphia. He started his NBA career there, and the Sixers selected him 17th overall in the 2009 draft. He spent four seasons with the franchise before his career took him elsewhere, eventually landing in Boston, where he played a key role in the Celtics winning Banner 18.
For the Trail Blazers, though, the logic points in the other direction. Holiday still has clear value, both on the floor and as a veteran presence.
Portland’s new head coach, Micah Nori, has to manage a crowded backcourt that includes Holiday, Damian Lillard, Scoot Henderson, and Shaedon Sharpe. That group gives the Blazers plenty to sort through, but it also gives Holiday a meaningful role.
His value to the young guards is obvious. Henderson and Sharpe stand out as two players who can benefit from having Holiday around, and the 36-year-old remains one of the league’s most respected voices in a locker room.
He also still produces. In the playoffs, Holiday averaged 16.4 points, 7.2 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. Those numbers were slightly better than what he delivered in the regular season.
That’s why a buyout does not make much sense for Portland. Holiday can still help a team that is trying to build on a 42-win season and a playoff appearance, and he also carries trade value.
The contract is part of the picture, too. Holiday has two years and $72 million left on his deal, including a $37.2 million player option for the 2027-28 season.
There is still a path, at least in theory, for things to change. If the season goes poorly in Portland, or if Holiday asks to join a contender such as the 76ers, a move could come into play. He has earned that kind of consideration, and he is represented by Jason Glushon, one of the NBA’s most powerful agents.
But even with that possibility hanging out there, a buyout does not appear to be the likely route. And without that, Philadelphia’s dream scenario falls apart. The Sixers would love to add Holiday to a group that already includes Brown, LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and VJ Edgecombe, but they do not have a realistic way to trade for him.
So for now, the speculation can be shelved. Holiday is not headed to Philadelphia, and a buyout in Portland does not seem to be coming anytime soon.
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