Late Monday night, it was reported that former Milwaukee Bucks point guard Jrue Holiday had been traded by the Boston Celtics to the Portland Trailblazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two second round picks. As Bucks fans remember all too well, it was the Trailblazers whom Milwaukee had sent Holiday to just ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season in exchange for Damian Lillard.
And while the move was understandable, and even welcomed, it was not easy for fans to bid adieu to Holiday, who had become incredibly popular due to his efforts in helping the Bucks win the 2021 NBA Finals and the incredible work he did for the community.
But what made the trade worse was that Portland turned around and shipped Holiday to the Boston Celtics. As he did in his first season with Milwaukee, Holiday helped Boston win a NBA Championship in his first season with the team.
Former Milwaukee Bucks Point Guard Jrue Holiday Was Traded Again, and He Is Furious
Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee Bucks, Devin Booker
Jul 17, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) against Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during game five of the 2021 NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
After winning a championship with Boston, Holiday signed a four-year $134 million contract with the Celtics, indicating that he was going to be around the team for a long time. However, that was not the case.
After a disappointing 2024-25 season, Boston decided to dump Holiday’s salary by sending him back to Portland.
And Holiday is not happy.
According to Steve Bulpett of Heavy, “Holiday is ‘pissed he’s going to Portland. Now, if he winds up staying there, I’m sure he’ll be the professional he’s always been and make a positive contribution. But he’s not happy with this deal. I’ll be surprised if Portland doesn’t move him on if they can, because right now he does not want to go there.”
Milwaukee Bucks Fans Would Welcome Jrue Holiday Home
Milwaukee Bucks, Jrue Holiday
Mar 29, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Jordan Nwora (13) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
When Bucks fans found out their former star was unhappy with the trade, they took to social media to advocate for his return to Milwaukee:
The Bucks will relieve the Blazers of this horrible chemistry problem for the low low price of a lightly used Kyle Kuzma, the prodigious upside of Chris Livingston, and unswapping their 2028 and 2030 picks https://t.co/aZAq75FZZY pic.twitter.com/ogCfCpvxgC
— Frank Madden (@fmaddenNBA) June 24, 2025
come back home https://t.co/hktOL1ayXe
— jordan (@1800JORDANN) June 25, 2025
COME HOME KING @Jrue_Holiday11 https://t.co/xZYsfCnbaO pic.twitter.com/LDE8r3FhMz
— 🥤 (@34for2) June 25, 2025
come home https://t.co/tCWZsApJiE
— Richard (@ifiwasrichard) June 25, 2025
Of course, it is sentiment that makes Bucks fans want Holiday back. The hard truth of the matter, though, is that he is going to make over $33 million a year for the next three seasons. That simply is not a contract that the Bucks can afford while still trying to build a contender.
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