Sixers adding Jrue Holiday? NBA insider shares what's next for former Celtics guard

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Portland Trail Blazers are not discussing a buyout with Jrue Holiday.

That squashes any rumblings -- or wishful thinking from 76ers fans -- that the two-time All-Star may be headed to Philadelphia. The 17-year veteran began his NBA career in the City of Brotherly Love. The Sixers made him the 17th overall pick in the 2009 draft.

The former UCLA Bruin spent four seasons there before a journey that eventually brought him to Boston, where he played an integral role in the Celtics raising Banner 18 to the TD Garden rafters.

The Cleveland Cavaliers had a chance to bring Holiday back East. It's an opportunity they should regret passing on. Now it appears that the 76ers won't be doing so either -- for now at least.

Trail Blazers buyout rumors: Why Portland won't buy out Jrue Holiday's contract

Yes, their new head coach Micah Nori must sort out minutes in a crowded backcourt. While the franchise that calls the Pacific Northwest home -- for now at least -- passed on the chance to add Jaylen Brown, they're rolling the dice on Ja Morant.

The former Memphis Grizzlies star arrives needing to prove himself after injuries, off-court incidents, and down years to end his tenure in the River City.

As he aims to do so, he joins a backcourt that includes Holiday, Damian Lillard, Scoot Henderson, and Shaedon Sharpe.

Those last two names capture a crucial part of Holiday's value. The former Celtic is among the most respected voices in any locker room. Having him there to mentor burgeoning talents, like Henderson and Sharpe, is a wise investment by the Trail Blazers.

The now-36-year-old also continues to make an impact on the court. In the playoffs, he averaged 16.4 points, 7.2 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. Across the board, those numbers were slightly better than his regular-season production.

What that captures is why it would be illogical for Portland to buy him out of his contract. He has value on the trade market. The same applies to how his presence helps a team aiming to build on a 42-win campaign and a playoff berth.

What would lead to the Trail Blazers parting with Jrue Holiday?

The six-time All-Defensive Team selection has two years and $72 million left on his deal. That includes a $37.2 million player option for the 2027-28 season.

If the upcoming campaign isn't going well in Portland, or if Holiday approaches management about a desire to join a contender -- like the 76ers -- that could lead to his relocation.

For one, he has earned that right as one of the most respected figures in the Association. He also happens to be represented by one of the NBA's most powerful agents, Jason Glushon. A favor like sending the two-time champion to a preferred destination at this later stage in his career could have future benefits.

Still, given his trade value, that may not come via a buyout. If it doesn't, as tantalizing as fans in Philadelphia must find the thought of Holiday joining Brown, LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and VJ Edgecombe, that hope would go up in smoke. As much as the 76ers would surely love to add Holiday to the pursuit of their first NBA title in over 40 years, they don't have a realistic path to trading for him.

So, while there's no guarantee that Holiday will finish this season with the Trail Blazers, Celtics fans can likely breathe easy. A buyout doesn't appear imminent. And it's probably not happening period.

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