It has been just over a year since the Milwaukee Bucks traded Jrue Holiday. Although more than six months have passed since the NBA star donned the Bucks jersey, he vividly recalls the moment he learned about the trade.
On September 27, 2023, Holiday was part of a trade deal that sent him to the Portland Trail Blazers alongside Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, and a 2029 first-round draft pick. Shortly after, he was traded to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Robert Williams III, Malcolm Brogdon, and two additional draft picks.
During a conversation with Draymond Green on “The Draymond Green Show” podcast, Jrue Holiday reminisced about the sequence of events surrounding his trade. He expressed his disappointment at the lack of prior notification he received regarding his transfer from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Recalling the moment on the podcast, Holiday humorously recounted, “I am taking a nap. I see the text and a call from the GM. And I’m like, ‘I’ll call him back, I’m deep in this nap too.’” He further added, “And then, two seconds later, my agent called. He’s like, ‘You talk to him?’ I’m like, ‘Nah, bro, I’m sleeping.’ He’s like ‘Well, you just got traded, so you should probably call him back.”
Expressing his surprise at the sudden turn of events, Holiday mentioned that he was informed about the trade merely five minutes before it transpired. Reflecting on the experience, he expressed a desire for more considerate communication, highlighting the shock of the abrupt notice.
As a two-time All-Star who played a pivotal role in the Bucks’ 2021 NBA championship, Holiday believed that a 24-hour notice would have been a respectful acknowledgment of his dedication and service to the franchise.
Jrue Holiday Embracing His New Role with the Boston Celtics
Jrue Holiday’s adjustment to the Boston Celtics has been characterized by his appreciation for his new position within the team. Comparing his time with the Milwaukee Bucks, Holiday recognized Jaylen Brown’s exceptional skills even before joining the Celtics.
In a recent episode of the Draymond Green Show, Holiday remarked, “I think coming into this season and throughout the season, he has shown that when people doubt him, he really takes that to heart, bro.”
He continued, “Oh, he don’t have a left hand? If y’all really look at JB’s game this year, he’s been finishing crazy with his left hand. I don’t know if he was practicing that in the offseason or whatever it is, but literally everything they’ve talked about him – ‘he’s not that good of a shooter.’ He’s shooting the 3 very well. One of our go-to 3-point shooters. I feel like whenever somebody doubts him, he’s like, ‘OK, I’m going to prove you wrong.’”
Since joining the Celtics roster last year, Holiday has gained valuable insights into Brown’s remarkable abilities and resilient mindset.