With the NBA trade deadline just over a week away, the rumor mill is heating up-and the New York Knicks are, once again, right in the thick of it. This time, their reported interest centers on veteran guard Jrue Holiday, who’s still settling into his first season with the Portland Trail Blazers.
According to league chatter, the Knicks have been exploring ways to bring Holiday to New York, and the logic behind the move is easy to follow. For starters, Holiday isn’t just a steady hand-he’s a proven winner. He played pivotal roles in title runs for both the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics earlier this decade, and his defensive tenacity, leadership, and playoff savvy are exactly the kind of traits that could elevate a team looking to make a deep postseason run.
But there’s more to it than just the on-court impact. One narrative gaining traction is the idea that adding Holiday could make New York a more appealing destination for Giannis Antetokounmpo down the line. Holiday and Giannis built a strong bond during their time in Milwaukee, and while that’s not the kind of thing that guarantees anything, it’s the sort of move that could plant a seed.
Even without the Giannis angle, though, the Knicks' interest in Holiday makes a lot of basketball sense. Pairing him with Jalen Brunson in the backcourt would give New York one of the most balanced guard duos in the league. Holiday’s ability to defend multiple positions, run an offense when needed, and knock down shots off the ball would complement Brunson’s scoring and playmaking beautifully.
Of course, there’s the financial side to consider. Holiday is on the books for $32.4 million this season, and the Knicks’ roster is built around mid-level contracts, rookie deals, and minimum signings. Matching salary in a potential deal won’t be simple, and it may require some creative maneuvering or a third team to get involved.
Still, for a team that’s clearly trying to take the next step in the Eastern Conference, Holiday is the kind of win-now piece that could move the needle. Even at 35, he’s showing he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
Through 18 games with Portland, he’s averaging 15.4 points on 45 percent shooting from the field and 36.2 percent from three. Add in 4.6 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, and you’ve got a player who continues to impact both ends of the floor.
Whether or not the Knicks can pull off a deal remains to be seen. But if they’re serious about contending in a loaded East, Jrue Holiday is exactly the kind of player who could help them get there.