Updated
Updated · Bleacher Report · Jun 30
Blazers Drop Anthony Davis Pursuit, Keep Jrue Holiday After Ja Morant Trade
Updated
Updated · Bleacher Report · Jun 30

Blazers Drop Anthony Davis Pursuit, Keep Jrue Holiday After Ja Morant Trade

3 articles · Updated · Bleacher Report · Jun 30

Summary

  • Portland has taken Anthony Davis off its trade target list and is signaling to interested teams that Jrue Holiday will stay after landing Ja Morant.
  • Monday's deal sent Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to Memphis for Morant, giving the Blazers another lead guard while shedding Grant's contract, which could have reached $70.6 million over the next two seasons.
  • Holiday had looked like the likeliest trade candidate because he is 36 and holds a contract with one guaranteed year plus a $37.2 million player option for 2027-28, while Damian Lillard's full no-trade clause limits Portland's flexibility.
  • Keeping Holiday would preserve a key defensive piece around Morant, Lillard and Scoot Henderson as Portland tries to build on a 42-40 season and a No. 7 West playoff berth.

Insights

With four starting-caliber guards, how will Portland manage egos and minutes to avoid a chemistry disaster?
With a frugal new owner, is the risky Ja Morant trade a championship move or a future financial disaster?