The Portland Trail Blazers made a bold move before the season, acquiring Jrue Holiday in hopes of pushing themselves back into playoff contention. But after Tuesday night’s 115-111 loss to the Washington Wizards - a team that came in riding a nine-game losing streak - it’s fair to wonder if the Blazers are starting to pivot toward selling at the trade deadline instead.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t just a bad loss. It was the kind of defeat that makes a front office reassess its direction.
Portland was outplayed by a Wizards team that, despite being dominated on the glass (the Blazers outrebounded them 69-46), managed to control the game thanks to hustle plays, rim protection, and Portland’s own self-inflicted mistakes. The Blazers coughed up the ball 20 times and had 12 of their shots sent back - six of those blocks courtesy of rookie big man Alex Sarr.
Jrue Holiday: Valuable, but misaligned with the timeline
Holiday has been everything the Blazers hoped for when he’s been on the floor - a steady veteran presence on a team loaded with young talent. He’s averaging 14.8 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.7 rebounds, and his defensive impact remains elite. But injuries have limited him to just 20 games this season, and at 35 years old, it’s hard to see how he fits into the long-term picture in Portland.
That’s not a knock on Holiday - far from it. He’s a proven winner, a key piece on the 2021 championship Bucks and last season’s Celtics squad that made a deep playoff run.
His ability to defend both guard spots, run an offense, and bring calm to chaotic moments makes him one of the most valuable veterans in the league. But the Blazers, sitting at 23-25 and struggling to find consistency, may not be the right team for him right now.
His contract - $34.8 million next season with a $37.2 million player option in 2027-28 - is sizable, but not unmovable for a contender looking to add a difference-maker. The New York Knicks are reportedly interested in pairing him with Jalen Brunson, and they’re not alone. Any team with championship aspirations could use a player like Holiday - and the Blazers have plenty of incentive to listen.
A young core that’s still taking shape
Portland’s future is tied to its youth, but the pieces are still raw and unproven. Scoot Henderson, the No. 3 pick in the 2023 draft, has struggled through two tough seasons and is now sidelined for the year with a hamstring injury. Shaedon Sharpe and Toumani Camara have shown flashes, and Deni Avdija, acquired last year and now locked up long-term, is starting to look like a potential All-Star.
There’s also rookie big man Yang Hansen, who’s still very much a developmental project, and second-year center Donovan Clingan, who pulled down 20 rebounds in Tuesday’s loss - a bright spot in an otherwise forgettable night. That group has potential, but it’s clear they need more time and, more importantly, more help.
Next season, they’re expected to get Damian Lillard back from an Achilles injury, but even with his return, this roster needs another high-level guard or wing to take real steps forward. Right now, they’re leading the NBA in turnovers - a brutal stat for a team trying to play clean, efficient basketball.
Looking ahead: Trade options and long-term vision
The Blazers still owe their 2026 first-round pick to the Bulls, which adds another layer to their decision-making. Missing the playoffs could help them keep that pick, depending on protections, and that might not be the worst outcome given the state of the roster.
Holiday’s contract, combined with one of the future Bucks picks from the Lillard trade, could be enough to bring back a significant piece - whether that’s a young star or more draft capital to use in the summer. Portland doesn’t have to rush a rebuild, but the clock is ticking on maximizing the value of their veteran assets.
Tuesday night’s loss wasn’t just a stumble - it was a reminder of where this team really stands. The Blazers brought in Holiday to chase a playoff spot. Ironically, the best way for him to reach the postseason now might be via another trade.