Pelica Debrief
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The 3 Jrue Holiday trades that New Orelans Pelicans fans won’t hate

By Willie Lutz

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 02: Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts in the first half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on February 02, 2020 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 02: Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts in the first half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on February 02, 2020 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON- OCTOBER 22 – Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby (3) defends against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) as the Toronto Raptors open the season against the New Orleans Pelicans with a 130-122 overtime win at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. October 22, 2019. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON- OCTOBER 22 – Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby (3) defends against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) as the Toronto Raptors open the season against the New Orleans Pelicans with a 130-122 overtime win at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. October 22, 2019. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

Looking to make their second consecutive run at a title, the Toronto Raptors give up a good young player to bring in a two-way star

Always looking to make a deal to help augment the firepower on their roster, the Toronto Raptors could be an interesting suitor in a deal for Jrue Holiday.

Sitting in second place in a top-heavy Eastern Conference, the 36-14 record for the Raptors is emblematic of what’s been an impressive championship celebration season following their loss of Kawhi Leonard in the offseason.

While the Milwaukee Bucks are currently ahead of everyone in the East at 43-7, this is a Raptors’ team that knocked the Bucks out in six impressive games in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals.

One of the few teams that have shown the ability to burden Giannis Antetokounmpo, head coach Nick Nurse and his Raptors could attempt to make another run at the NBA crown if they can add a piece like Jrue Holiday in the mix.

Considering many of their key players are on expiring deals, it might be wise to move now in order to get one last run with some impactful veterans. Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka, and Fred VanVleet are all set to become unrestricted free agents this summer and it will cost too much to keep all of them on the payroll.

Adding Holiday to their roster makes them better on defense in particular, as their team already ranks second in defensive rating, but will need all they can get to take down the Bucks again this postseason.

In any package involving Jrue Holiday, the New Orleans Pelicans will want unprotected picks in addition to good, young player talent. Certainly, O.G. Anunoby is someone who fits the talent mold of what the Pelicans are trying to construct.

The team is currently $14.6 million under the luxury tax line, so they do have the ability to absorb a bad contract if it brings back favorable chips.

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