In a bid to retain their two-time MVP in Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks engaged in a trade to acquire the services of Jrue Holiday to bolster their lineup. The New Orleans Pelicans dealt the veteran guard in exchange for Eric Bledsoe, George Hill, and three first-round draft picks which include rights to swap in both the 2024 and the 2026 NBA Drafts, as per ESPN‘s Bobby Marks.

The Cleveland Cavaliers also acquired a second-round asset from the trade after lifting the protection on the 2022 first-round pick that was owed to them by the Bucks stemming from their previous deal that shipped George Hill to Milwaukee.

The trade between the Bucks and the Pelicans fairly benefited both sides moving forward. The Wisconsin-based squad acquired a seasoned veteran that can surround Giannis Antetokounmpo with his reliable playmaking and scoring abilities as they hope to make deeper playoff runs and eventually reach the NBA Finals stage in the future.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
NBA Playoffs Primer with Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tyrese Maxey and Luka Doncic

Brett Siegel ·

Indiana Pacers player Tyrese Haliburton and Milwaukee Bucks player Bobby Portis

Preston Byers ·

Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo saying "It's not looking good" next to Doc Rivers and Damian Lillard

Brett Siegel ·

Jrue Holiday will be joining a Bucks team that previously fell short and succumbed to the Miami Heat in five games in the Eastern Conference Semi Finals after being tagged as favorites to come out of the division all season long.

On the other hand, another dismal campaign went to the books for New Orleans even after the arrival of Zion Williamson and the emergence of Brandon Ingram en route to a 30-42 record last season. The Pelicans were able to get even younger by way of the assets and also received a couple of veterans in Bledsoe and Hill which they could also flip for more picks to benefit their rebuilding cause.