On the ‘Draymond Green Show,’ Draymond Green recently shared his thoughts on how the Milwaukee Bucks may have inadvertently gifted the Boston Celtics an NBA championship through their offseason moves. Green argued that the Bucks’ decision to trade Jrue Holiday as part of the Damian Lillard deal ultimately benefited the Celtics significantly.
“Yes, they actually did because they traded Jrue away. And like, I just think even in that trade, like, you got to find and do all you can to like, keep Jrue.”
“Because Jrue can guard bigger… Jrue can play off the ball or on the ball like there’s no fit mismatch with like Jrue and Dame and I think like, I don’t think Portland was hell bent on getting Jrue Holiday.”
“Like ultimately I think that’s what they got but I don’t think they were hell-bent on it being Jrue and I think there are some other things that Milwaukee could have done to keep Jrue. But yes, they did.”
"Yes, they actually did"
—@Money23Green responds to Joel Embiid's tweet about the Bucks giving Boston the championship pic.twitter.com/LugP7RMM4w
— The Volume (@TheVolumeSports) June 13, 2024
Green emphasized the importance of Holiday to the Bucks, highlighting his versatility and defensive prowess. He pointed out that Holiday can guard multiple positions and play both on and off the ball, making him an invaluable asset to any team. Green suggested that the Bucks should have explored all possible options to retain Holiday, as his skills could have complemented Lillard’s, creating a formidable backcourt duo.
In the 2023 offseason, the Bucks traded Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in a blockbuster deal to acquire Damian Lillard. However, just four days later, the Celtics swooped in and acquired Holiday from the Blazers in exchange for Robert Williams III, Malcolm Brogdon, and two first-round picks.
This move significantly bolstered the Celtics’ roster, which already featured stars like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick White.
Since joining the Celtics, Holiday has been a key contributor. He has averaged 13.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in the playoffs, while also providing elite perimeter defense.
Holiday’s ability to lock down the opposing team’s best perimeter players has been instrumental in the Celtics’ defensive schemes. Recognizing his value, the Celtics signed Holiday to a four-year, $135 million extension, ensuring his presence on the team for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, the Bucks struggled defensively without Holiday. Despite acquiring Lillard, they never fully hit their stride during the season. The Bucks finished third in the Eastern Conference with a 49-33 record but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs due to injuries to both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard.
In contrast, the Celtics, with a record of 64-18, dominated the Eastern Conference and cruised through the playoffs. Now, they are on the brink of securing their 18th NBA title, holding a 3-0 lead in the Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. Holiday’s impact on both ends of the court has been a crucial factor in the Celtics’ success, and he is poised to win his second NBA championship.
Green’s assessment underscores how the Bucks’ decision to trade Jrue Holiday might have inadvertently strengthened one of their primary competitors. By letting go of a player of Holiday’s caliber, the Bucks may have paved the way for the Celtics’ championship run, highlighting the sometimes unforeseen consequences of major roster moves in the NBA.
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