Celtics rivals' hopes for Jrue Holiday all but crushed by Shaedon Sharpe's injury

After adding Klay Thompson via a buyout, one of the Boston Celtics' rivals, the Miami Heat, would love to see Jrue Holiday follow suit. Just ask Jeff Teague.

Philadelphia 76ers fans, and surely the organization, would also like for the two-time All-Star to get out of his contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.

However, that's wishful thinking. And what just happened to Shaedon Sharpe makes the prospect of Holiday reaching the open market any time soon even more far-fetched.

Blazers' backcourt depth takes a hit with Sharpe injury

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the former seventh overall draft pick recently suffered a torn meniscus. It is expected to sideline him for six months.

The uber-athletic guard averaged a career-high 20.8 points last season. Granted, he appeared in 22 fewer games than in the 2024-25 campaign. It's still a testament to a young talent who keeps getting better.

Unfortunately, this is a significant setback for the 23-year-old from London, Ontario, Canada.

It's a disappointing way to help the team in the Pacific Northwest -- for now -- manage a crowded backcourt. It also makes Holiday that much more important to Portland's hopes of returning to the playoffs.

Jrue Holiday's most likely path forward with the Blazers

During his exit interview after the 2025-26 campaign, the 17-year veteran expressed his desire to remain with the franchise.

"I hope so," voiced Holiday. "I don't like being traded and moved and stuff. I like being a part of something and building with a team, and seeing the progress and going through the progress with them. So, I hope so. I'd love to be here."

The organization appears to feel the same way.

The 36-year-old produced 16.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per contest last season. Holiday also knocked down 37.8 percent of the 6.8 threes that he hoisted. He increased his output in the playoffs.

As a two-time champion, a highly respected locker room presence, and a player who remains impactful at both ends of the floor, he has value on the trade market.

If the season goes south, he could ask for and receive a buyout to join a title contender. However, if a team is willing to trade for him and he's open to playing there, the Heat and the 76ers are out of luck.

Holiday has two years and $72 million left on his deal. That includes a $37.2 million player option for 2027-28. He's on the books for $34.8 million this season.

That makes him too expensive for the Celtics' rivals to acquire without Portland buying him out of his contract. Training camp's on the horizon, and Sharpe's injury adds to his importance to the Trail Blazers' ambitions this year. At a minimum, it seems like a possibility put on ice.

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