Jrue Holiday's recent trade from Boston to Portland marks a second period with the Trail Blazers, following a brief two-day tenure in September 2023. Holiday expressed excitement upon hearing about the trade while reflecting on his two-year run with the Celtics. He values the opportunity to help a younger team growing since the end of last season, where they finished strong. Holiday believes the Trail Blazers can make significant progress in the 2025-26 season and anticipate further improvements in 2026-27.
I was at home in California. I ended up getting a call from Brad [Stevens] and he ended up telling me a little bit before. But I was excited. I knew that obviously I got traded here before. So it was just kind of full circle.
Talking to [Portland coach] Chauncey [Billups] about it. Talking to [Portland GM] Joe [Cronin] about it. I really do appreciate what they did for me the first time around. That really does mean a lot for me in my career.
Even though Holiday is not necessarily expected to be the final piece needed for Portland to assert themselves as contenders - much as he was in Boston - the defensive stalwart believes that the Trail Blazers can take a major step forward in 2025-26.
Not only did Portland's young core end last season on a high note with a winning record over the last two months, but their roster should receive another lift in 2026-27.
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