The New Orleans Pelicans’ season has not gone as planned, with No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson missing the beginning of the year with a knee injury and the team getting off to a 9-23 start. And while Jrue Holiday has not yet asked for a trade, The Athletic‘s Shams Charania is reporting that the veteran guard wants a winning situation.
Holiday wants to win and cares most about being in a winning situation, league sources tell The Athletic. He and Griffin had agreed to push into a new Pelicans future over the summer and contend for a playoff berth, but that has not happened. When Griffin took over in New Orleans, Holiday wanted to stay and saw the possibility of being part winner right where he is. So far, the sides have not had any dialogue about his future.
There are a variety of reasons why the Pelicans have not performed as expected, starting with Williamson’s injury. But between newcomers Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram, and rookies Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jaxson Hayes, they’re integrating a lot of new and inexperienced pieces into the mix alongside veterans Holiday, JJ Redick and Derrick Favors. It often takes a long time for young teams to come together, even if they have a lot of talent on paper.
This season, Holiday is averaging 19.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.8 steals per game on 43.5 percent shooting, slightly below his career averages but still solid production that would be attractive on the trade market if he ultimately decides he wants out.
If Holiday does request a trade, he would instantly become one of the most intriguing names available on the market ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. The guard has been consistent and reliable throughout the years and would greatly help any number of contenders.
Follow Us
Subscribe