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Toronto Raptors: 3 reasons why Jrue Holiday shouldn’t be pursued

By Alexandro Fidanza

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 08: Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court during a NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at the Smoothie King Center on November 08, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 08: Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court during a NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at the Smoothie King Center on November 08, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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Jrue Holiday (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

3. Holiday is going to turn 31 next season

So let’s say the Toronto Raptors do pull off a deal, and Holiday declines his player option to sign a deal in Toronto. Holiday will be 31 by that time and will be looking to have his last big payday. You can expect Holiday will be asking for a 3-4 year deal in the $25-30 million range.

Paying $30 million to a guy when he’s going to be 35 doesn’t seem like the greatest idea unless that person’s name is Kyle Lowry. Holiday has already struggled with many injuries over his career, playing over 70 games only once since arriving in New Orleans.

Paying for a player like that in the later stage of their career can be a risk, and for some teams that risk is worth taking — like the Brooklyn Nets and LA Lakers who are heavy contenders looking to win as soon as possible.

But for the Raptors, who are still growing and betting on the 2021 free agency. Giving out this kind of contract is not worth it unless you have a Giannis or another big star who signs here next season.

At the end of the day, I think the idea of Jrue Holiday in a Toronto Raptors jersey excites us all. He’s a fantastic player that any team would be lucky to have. But it’s hard to imagine the Raptors giving up a lot for him. There is no certainty that he’ll re-sign and giving away a player like Anunoby should be the last thing the Raptors do.

Next. Toronto Raptors: 4 reasons Bobby Portis would be a nice pickup. dark

If the Toronto Raptors do really want him, then waiting till next off-season is their best bet at getting him as they can possibly sign him and another star if they have the cap space we expect them to have.

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