Atlanta Hawks: One Potential Off-Season Trade With Each Team
By Dallin Duffy
New Orleans Pelicans
Overview:
Another potential backcourt duo, Jrue Holiday joins Trae in Atlanta for two future picks.
Why Atlanta says yes:
Many of these trades have been to find a potential fit next to Young in Atlanta’s rotation, with the defensive-minded Jrue Holiday coming to Atlanta in this one. Even though Holiday is aging, he can still be a solid perimeter defender to help balance out Trae’s and Huerter’s defensive hindrances.
Why New Orleans says yes:
The team has to start figuring out how to pay all the young players on their roster like Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Jaxson Hayes, and of course, Zion Williamson. Holiday is owed $26 million in 2020 and $27 million (player option) in 2021. Getting him off the books opens the door for them to keep their young stars and the future picks let them fill out their roster for cheap when the time comes.
Why Atlanta says no:
Jrue is overpaid and nearing the end of his prime. Two firsts is a lot for any player with which that statement is true – no matter how good he is defensively and how far out those picks are.
Why New Orleans says no:
Two first-rounders is just about as good of a return as you’d get for the 30-year-old Holiday, but the picks are also two and three years away. Might be able to get another young player to help now rather than then for him.