Report: Raptors were interested in Jrue Holiday before Trail Blazers trade

The Toronto Raptors were reportedly in the mix in another trade.

The Portland Trail Blazers acquired Jrue Holiday from the Boston Celtics in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks late Monday night.

After being in the mix for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who hasn’t officially been made available, and Kevin Durant, who was traded to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th overall selection and five second-round picks, Toronto was reportedly interested in Holiday before he was dealt, per Jared Weiss of the Athletic.

The recently turned 35-year-old has three years remaining on his deal with an average annual salary of nearly $34-million and a player option in the final season. The 16-year veteran averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals this past season while shooting 44.3 per cent from the field, 35.3 per cent from distance, and 90.9 per cent from the charity stripe.

Per Brian Windhorst, “The Toronto Raptors have been looking to use the No.9 pick to upgrade their roster in the short term. They haven’t been able to find a deal for that yet, but I expect them to continue to be active.”

It’s unclear what the offer would have potentially been for Holiday, but Toronto’s top-10 selection has reportedly been dangled in other trades as well, including Kevin Durant.

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