Ever since the NBA Cup back in mid-December, the New York Knicks haven’t looked like the dominant team they have been in the regular season over the past few years.
Since winning the mid-season tournament, the Knicks have 11 of their last 20. This has hinted that a change should take place in order for New York to become a solidified contender for an NBA Championship this season.
Could a move be made during the trade deadline? According to recent reports, the Knicks may have interest in an All-Defensive point guard.
Report: Knicks and Trail Blazers G Jrue Holiday have mutual interest
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday have a mutual interest in coming together prior to the NBA trade deadline.
“New York is believed to hold a longstanding fondness for (Jrue) Holiday as a potential backcourt complement to Jalen Brunson,” the insider wrote.
Holiday has dealt with injuries for the majority of this season and has limited him to just 18 games played this season.
However, the veteran point guard has impressive statistics, averaging 15.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.3 steals while shooting 45.0 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from three.
Now it sounds like a blockbuster deal, but there’s a large financial burden that comes between the two teams.
Holiday has a contract that has him getting paid around $104.4 ($33.6 million annually) through the 2027-28 NBA season.
From the Knicks’ side of things, New York is currently $11.7 million over the first apron tax threshold, according to Spotrac, and is already expected to take on financial restrictions.
The 35-year-old’s contract will be at the center of talks if a trade between the Blazers and Knicks takes place. This is something worth monitoring, but Portland will most likely ask for more than what New York is willing to give up for Jrue Holiday.
