With the NBA trade deadline rapidly approaching, the New York Knicks are once again in the thick of the rumor mill - and this time, the name drawing attention is Jrue Holiday. The veteran guard, currently with the Portland Trail Blazers, has been loosely linked to the Knicks in a potential deal that would reportedly involve Brooklyn’s Mikal Bridges. But according to league insiders, that scenario is looking increasingly unlikely.
Here’s why: Portland isn’t exactly hurting for wing depth. With Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and an emerging Shaedon Sharpe already in the fold, the Trail Blazers have a solid rotation of young, athletic wings. That makes a potential addition like Bridges - while talented - a bit of a redundancy, especially when you consider what they’d be giving up to get him.
And that’s where Jrue Holiday comes in. Portland specifically targeted Holiday in the offseason, acquiring him from Boston as part of their reshaping efforts.
He wasn’t just a throw-in; he was a deliberate piece of the puzzle. So if they’re going to move him now, it would have to be for a major return - not just a lateral move on the wing.
Still, the Knicks’ interest in Holiday makes a lot of sense. He brings championship pedigree, elite perimeter defense, and a calming veteran presence - all things that could elevate a playoff-ready roster. Pairing him with Jalen Brunson would give New York one of the most defensively sound and offensively balanced backcourts in the league.
And there’s a bigger picture at play here, too. Holiday’s connection to Giannis Antetokounmpo - with whom he won a title in Milwaukee in 2021 - hasn’t gone unnoticed.
If the Knicks are serious about making themselves a future destination for the two-time MVP, adding Holiday could be a strategic step in that direction. It’s not just about the immediate fit; it’s about planting seeds for something bigger.
According to reports, the Knicks have had a longstanding interest in Holiday, viewing him as an ideal partner for Brunson. And with the team already in the playoff mix, the front office appears motivated to make a meaningful move before the deadline.
Whether or not a deal materializes, it’s clear New York is aiming high. They’re not just looking to make noise - they’re looking to build something sustainable, something that can compete deep into May and June. And if that means swinging big for a proven winner like Jrue Holiday, don’t be surprised if they do everything they can to make it happen.