The Boston Celtics didn’t win the rights to Damian Lillard, but they might win a free consultation with him.
The Milwaukee Bucks traded away a number of players, including Jrue Holiday, a source of toughness and defensive grit, in order to acquire Lillard. With Holiday now in Portland (for the time being), the Trail Blazers will likely sell the veteran guard to title contenders before October’s Opening Night. Milwaukee was ready to pay that much to acquire a seven-time All-Star.
Since the Celtics match that description, they might start being mentioned.
According to Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe, Boston is negotiating a deal with Portland to acquire Holiday, who could replace Marcus Smart. Without Smart, the Celtics’ defense lost a key component, leaving them vulnerable.
Nevertheless, if the Celtics can pull off the signing of Holiday, the Bucks will have done them a solid.
Holiday, who has faced the Celtics in a number of postseason matchups, would be a natural fit for the Celtics’ roster. The Bucks benefitted from the 33-year-old’s 19.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 47.9% shooting from the field, and 1.2 steals per game last season. In addition, he has been named to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team three times (most recently in 2017).
Given that Boston lost its defensive identity last year, acquiring a guard with that kind of focus could be the best course of action. Boston has a lot to show after losing their head coach last season (Ime Udoka), and it won’t be easy for them to get up the necessary zeal without Smart.
The fact that Holiday has been moved out to Portland by Miluwakee gives the two groups a common enemy against which to unite.