New Orleans Pelicans compete at Jrue Holiday Trade Market with loyalty in mind

Jrue Holiday and the New Orleans Pelicans did not have a pleasant trip to Disney World in Orlando. Unfortunately, that lethargic performance in Orlando wasn’t the worst time for Holiday with the Pelicans, but it could have been his last game with the team. Tragic health fears, injuries to himself and his teammates, and organizational disruptions prevented Holiday from constantly having a platform on which to present his underrated talents. Now that Zion Williamson is on the roster, David Griffin needs to consider how much the organization values ​​and values ​​Holiday’s talents over the long term, and how much other competing teams will pay in the short term for his commercial and salary services.

Before the complex trade negotiations can proceed, the New Orleans Pelicans must hire a bus. Additionally, each bidding team will want to hear Holiday’s thoughts on their 2021-22 player option. He is under contract for $ 25.3 million next year. He could then opt out, enter a market with a low salary cap and top-heavy talent, or play off the season for $ 26 million. In two summers there will be more money and less comparable talent in the free agency. Depending on how the next season actually goes and how it has decided, it may be best for all parties to wait for the 2021 trading deadline. However, if Holiday is able to sign a decent contract to keep him in New Orleans until he is 34, Griffin may never be forced to answer those calls and negotiating texts.

Any title hunting team would play Holiday Heavy Minutes if it were available. Some of the teams that fail to make the NBA Finals will attempt to offer the Pelicans an enticing trading package without breaking their championship core. Others have to wait a year for Holiday to reach the free agency. However, most of the trade offers that have been mentioned since the NBA regular season hiatus did not reflect the actual value Holiday would have to the Pelicans or the trading partner. Likewise, vacations could cost more than New Orleans plans to pay in two years. The lack of a commercial market could later force New Orleans into a no-profit situation.

If the Pelicans aren’t purchasing a package that supports and extends Williamson’s championship schedule, is this the message Griffin wants to send to the locker room and fan base? Would that seem too much? A lackluster trading stretch could be viewed as too many setbacks after a long season trying to move forward with Williamson, a season that too many ways failed to reach its potential. The turbulent season has created a few more “what if” situations for Holiday, both looking back at past seasons and its future.

Holiday stayed loyal to New Orleans, also because Davis was in town. Where the Anthony Davis deal spoiled Pelicans fans, Holiday has done badly making decisions based on someone outside of his family. The Holiday family has been more active in ensuring that their voices are heard. Times have changed dramatically, situations are different, but as popular as Holiday is, it is not as valuable as Davis in any market. What could someone offer New Orleans that would make them intentionally break up with Holiday?

Any competitor trading for Holiday only sends back late first round draft picks and players who are either unproven or unable to fill their role in New Orleans on or off the pitch. Lottery teams typically do not have the talent to bid and prefer a variety of draft picks. The pelicans have an abundance of picks after the Davis trade. Only so many prospects can fit on a competitive NBA list. Trading Holiday might hurt right now, but it might be the most sensible option for him and the team, especially if he is looking to move to a safe competitor. The same move could also appear as a withdrawal from Griffin’s plan to build a sustainable championship culture, especially if Holiday expresses its desire to stick with a reasonable contract extension.

Holiday’s future contract must be weighed against any incoming players who could also clog the cap sheet. Otherwise why would the pelicans consider trading Holiday, Cap Space? Most All-NBA players who make the free choice over the next two seasons will sign elsewhere, and the mid-tier player and draft pick supply only works to a certain extent. Ask Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics, especially after they lost Davis.

Given the roster lineup, Holiday and his contract as a 31-year-old security guard on a multi-year contract valued at over $ 100 million could be out of place. These Orlando losses may have been the last time Jrue was seen in New Orleans uniform. However, there is no reason to trade it unless the front office sees a real benefit in moving Holiday, who approves of the trade.

Like the team, he was loyal in difficult times. His game will age well and his leadership will be worth every penny, even if the coronavirus-affected salary cap is only gradually increased. His number should retire at some point, regardless of what happens this off-season. Some players have to move on before it’s too late. Players like Holiday are different.

When he’s not expressing a desire to change lanes, Holiday is the player an organization will go the last mile with until the tank runs out. At this stage in his career and at Zion Williamson, there is no limit to what Holiday can achieve in New Orleans.