As part of the blockbuster trade that brought Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks from the Portland Trail Blazers, former defensive superstar Jrue Holiday was dealt to Portland, only to be traded to the Boston Celtics a few days later.
The Bucks and the Celtics are what some would consider to be the Eastern Conference rivals, two of the strongest teams in the east that have two incredible rosters.
It was kind of a punch in the gut to find out that Holiday would be going to the Bucks’ biggest rival sporting a different shade of green. However, Bucks’ general manager Jon Horst went on NBA Today and was asked about the trade to talk about how that affects the team.
Jrue Holiday to Bucks’ Biggest Rival
The Celtics are landing one of the best defensive guards in the league in Holiday. The five-time All-Defensive selection had been traded to the Portland Trail Blazers but was immediately put on the trading block to then be sent over to Boston.
Jrue Holiday was a huge contributor to helping the Milwaukee Bucks bring home a championship in 2021. He averaged 17.3 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds in 23 postseason appearances (all starts), and then won a gold medal with Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics.
Trading Holiday to Portland in the first place was a huge shock to Bucks fans and even other NBA executives. He had been a key part of the Bucks’ core starting five, but in order to get a star like Damian Lillard, sometimes you have to give up one of your stars in return.
Jon Horst Speaks On Holiday Trade
General manager Jon Horst and head coach Adrian Griffin appeared on NBA Today alongside Malika Andrews and was asked about if this trade to the Celtics was something that Horst even considered when acquiring Damian Lillard:
“Uh, no. It’s pretty remarkable when you think about the balance and talent in the league. Not just in the Eastern conference or the Western conference, it’s incredibly stacked, there’s a bunch of great teams, there’s a bunch of great talent,” Horst said. “Everyone’s trying to load up and really it’s the most competitive that I’ve seen in the 20 years or so that I’ve been around the NBA.”
He goes on to talk about Jrue Holiday going to the Celtics and how that impacts the Bucks’ roster and decision making.
“For Jrue and the Boston Celtics, that doesn’t factor into our equation. We try to make ourselves better, do we what thought was best for us, and we can’t control anything else.”
Holiday has talked to the media already has a member of the Celtics, told them that this move was his best best at succeeding and winning a championship.
Having to adjust to work alongside players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will definitely be an adjustment in comparison to what Holiday was used to with playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, but no doubt that Boston has gained a great defender.
Full Interview on NBA Today:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Bucks GM?
The Milwaukee Bucks GM is Jon Horst, who remains confident in his team's potential despite the disappointing conclusion to their previous season. With unwavering belief, Horst trusts in the core players to pursue an NBA championship.
Where did Jon Horst go to college?
Jon Horst, GM of the Milwaukee Bucks, graduated from Rochester University with a degree in sports management in 2006.
