In a blockbuster deal, the New Orleans Pelicans traded star Jrue Holiday to the Milwaukee Bucks for Eric Bledsoe, George Hill and heavy draft compensation.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania released details as soon as the deal was made.
Bucks sending Eric Bledsoe and George Hill and draft compensation to New Orleans, sources said. https://t.co/3K12F8WGI9
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 17, 2020
On top of sending Holiday to Milwaukee, the Pelicans were able to acquire three first-round picks and two pick swaps. ESPN’s Bobby Marks broke down the picks protections.
Here is the pick breakdown on the Jrue Holiday trade:
New Orleans receives
2020 1st (via IND)
2024 right to swap
2025 1st unprotected
2026 right to swap
2027 1st unprotected— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) November 17, 2020
This was an extraordinary trade that sent shockwaves through NBA Twitter. Lets take a closer look at the details.
New Orleans Pelicans trade Jrue Holiday to Milwaukee Bucks: Grades
New Orleans Pelicans receive Eric Bledsoe, George Hill, 24th pick, 2025, 2027 Unprotected picks, 2024 & 2024 pick swaps
This was a tremendous trade by Pelicans General Manager David Griffin. New Orleans acquired a treasure chest of riches similar to that achieved by the Oklahoma City Thunder for Paul George. Two-time All Defensive Guard Eric Bledsoe, George Hill, three first-round picks and two pick swaps is enormous given Holiday is just a one-time All Star. However, word is superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was willing to sign the Supermax provided the franchise made a splash in free agency. With this knowledge, Griffin was able to leverage the Bucks into giving up more than they typically would have.
New Orleans will likely make some more transactions. Their guard rotation now features Bledsoe, Hill, Lonzo Ball, Frank Jackson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and J.J. Redick. The Pelicans will move on from at least one, if not, two of these guards just to clear the log jam. Bledsoe is an excellent defender who can play on or off the ball while Hill is a reliable ball handler and spot-up shooter. The Pelicans now have the flexibility to continue a rebuild or pivot at any given moment.
This was a day to remember and a master stroke by Griffin.
Grade: A+
Milwaukee Bucks receive Jrue Holiday
On the surface this is a massive overpay for a one-time All Star. Holiday is one of the best two-way guards in the NBA who can handle the rock, score off the bounce, drive, pass and is an excellent catch and shoot player. The 30-year-old averaged 19.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists on 45.5 percent shooting and 35.3 percent from three last season.
For Holiday, he goes to a team desperate to win an NBA title. Antetokounmpo and All Star Khris Middleton have been the team’s pillars the past few seasons. However, the Bucks have faltered without a secondary ball handler, shot creator and reliable scorer. Holiday provides all the above so this raises the ceiling of Milwaukee significantly. The veteran is also an exceptional defender earning All Defensive First Team honors in his career thus they don’t lose anything defensively.
But this deal was made for Antetokoumpo. Milwaukee was under immense pressure to impress the Greek Freak with trades and free agent moves. Was this deal a home run? At this stage, no because Antetokounmpo has yet to sign on the dotted line. If he signs the Supermax, this was a tremendous move but if he doesn’t, the Bucks will be at the mercy of the NBA.
Grade: B-
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