Five teams that could trade for Jrue Holiday

Philadelphia 76ers: The Sixers have said all summer that they want James Harden to come back, but Holiday is an intriguing backup plan. Holiday started his career in Philadelphia, where he was an All-Star in 2013 at age 22. As long as there are no hard feelings about the 76ers trading him to New Orleans a decade ago, Holiday could slide into the backcourt alongside Tyrese Maxey and beef up Philadelphia's perimeter defense. The Sixers also wouldn't have to give up their dream of two maximum contract slots next summer, which was the reason they didn't extend Maxey this summer. Holiday can opt out of his deal, preserving max cap space, but he could also re-sign with Philadelphia.

Utah Jazz: Utah has uncertainty at point guard and six extra first-round picks through 2028, after dealing Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley last year. Holiday would provide a veteran presence for the talented young Jazz, but the only issue is matching Holiday's $35 million salary. It's unlikely that Portland wants to take on the contracts of John Collins or Collin Sexton, and Utah isn't trading Lauri Markkanen.

Miami Heat: The Blazers wouldn't engage with Miami on Damian Lillard trade talks, but perhaps they'd be willing to talk about Holiday. The Heat lost point guard Gabe Vincent in free agency and Kyle Lowry is 37 years old, so they certainly could use Holiday at the point. Holiday's defensive tenacity would fit well on the rugged Heat, as does his three-point shooting, which developed into a legitimate weapon in Milwaukee. Plus, his contract has just one year (and a player option) left, which means the Blazers' asking price should be much lower than what they wanted for Lillard.

Toronto Raptors: While the Raptors were reportedly a front-runner for Lillard, a trade never happened, perhaps due to Toronto's reluctance to deal OG Anunoby. But if there's a framework for talks already, it wouldn't be hard to switch in Holiday, who could head to Canada, perhaps for a package headlined by Gary Trent Jr., who started his career in Portland. Trent opted into his 2023-24 contract in hopes of signing an extension, but there's been no news in three months. Perhaps the Blazers would extend their former player, or make him another veteran they flip for draft picks.

L.A. Clippers: With three former All-Stars already one year from free agency (Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook), why not add a fourth? Holiday, George and Leonard is a downright scary defensive threesome, while the Clippers have a collection of expiring deals to match Holiday's salary. The Clippers can't trade a first-round pick until 2028, but the Blazers might be fine with that, since they took 2028, 2029 and 2030 picks in the Lillard trade. Holiday grew up in Los Angeles and played basketball at UCLA, so it could be a good fit. For a team that's moving into a new arena next fall, L.A. might well roll the dice on a local guy — and get his Bird rights — in what could be a "Last Dance" season in the City of Angels.