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3 reasons Raptors must trade for Jrue Holiday after Damian Lillard miss

By Mike Luciano

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 05: Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks over the defense during the first half of the game against the Toronto Raptors at Fiserv Forum on January 05, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Raptors defeated the Bucks 117-111. 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 John Fisher/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 05: Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks over the defense during the first half of the game against the Toronto Raptors at Fiserv Forum on January 05, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Raptors defeated the Bucks 117-111. 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 John Fisher/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors, Jrue Holiday
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 05: Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /

1. Toronto would be trying to win with Holiday.

The lack of direction surrounding his team has been the main subject of all the fanbase’s ire, as Ujiri has chosen to hold on to expiring contracts and commit to a core that has some genuine flaws rather than rebuild or go all-in for a Lillard-type player. A Holiday trade says very clearly they intend to win.

A starting lineup that features Holiday setting the tone on both ends alongside Pascal Siakam in his prime and Scottie Barnes continuing to get better would be a very difficult mountain to climb for most of the Eastern Conference, especially if Darkp Rajakovic’s scheme clicks.

The Toronto Raptors can contend with Jrue Holiday.

Holiday will play for $34 million next season, and he has a player option worth $37 million the following season. Due to his age, there is a real chance he picks up that option. Doing so gives Toronto a two-year window that could see them make some playoff runs if all their young guns develop well.

The Raptors are not going to be at the front of the pack for Holiday, and they might find it hard to get a deal done with Portland for Holiday after failing to get Lillard, but Ujiir owes it to himself as an executive and the fans to at least call Joe Cronin and see if he wants to talk.

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