Jrue Holiday Trade: Are 76ers Making Progress?

In a perfect world, the Philadelphia 76ers would be gearing up for training camp in Colorado next week, anticipating the return of the ten-time All-Star James Harden, who is happily back for a third run with the team.

Instead, the Sixers are unsure if Harden will show up, as he’s made it clear he wants to be traded this offseason.

Months back, Harden mentioned he wouldn’t play for a team that President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey runs. Since he’s made those comments, several reports have noted Harden hasn’t changed his mind about his level of interest in playing for the 76ers.

The disgruntled ten-time All-Star didn’t cause the Sixers to pursue Damian Lillard, who dealt with his own trade saga with the Portland Trail Blazers, but the Sixers are reportedly interested in a potential reunion with one of Portland’s returning pieces in the three-team blockbuster deal between the Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, and the Blazers.

Are the 76ers Making Progress on Jrue Holiday?

After a few seasons with the Bucks, Jrue Holiday’s time in Milwaukee has concluded. Although he was moved to Portland on paper, Holiday is not expected to suit up the Trail Blazers as of now. Instead, Rip City will look to move the former first-round pick as they continue their youth movement.

Not long after it became clear the Blazers were going to flip Holiday, Kyle Neubeck of All PHLY reported the Sixers would pursue a potential trade for Holiday. A couple of days after the initial report, it’s clear that those talks did not gain the momentum the Sixers might’ve hoped for.

Here’s a breakdown of the latest reporting from All PHLY:

• The Sixers are still in talks with the Blazers.

• There’s been an attempt to engage in a three-team deal with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Blazers , which would include James Harden.

• A direct Blazers/Sixers swap appears “even more unlikely” than a multi-team move.

• Philly’s chances of landing Holiday are viewed as “increasingly unlikely” based on the state of the market today.

Nothing should come as a shock, really. From when Holiday was moved, half the league was likely putting together their strongest starting offer to make a call to Portland.

Holiday might not be a top-tier player, but he’s the kind of solid puzzle piece teams need to help them solve their status as contenders. He might not be an All-Star every year, with high chances of landing in MVP contention, but Holiday’s resume is impressive.

He’s cracked the NBA All-Defensive First Team squad three times, made Second Team twice, and earned All-Star nods in 2013 and 2023. In addition, Holiday was voted Teammate of the Year in three of the last four seasons. He’s also an NBA Champion with the Bucks in 2021.

Although James Harden’s market is currently dry, considering the way everything played out from the conclusion of the team’s failed playoff run, the Sixers should remain competitive in the Holiday market as long as Harden’s on the table. 

But since Portland has no need for the 33-year-old guard on an expiring contract, Philadelphia would need another team to take him on. So, unless the Clippers re-enter the Harden market, the Sixers probably won’t find success in their pursuit of Holiday.