Jrue Holiday appreciates Portland’s role in his championship path

Jul 30, 2025 2:19 AM

When Jrue Holiday lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy in 2021 with the Milwaukee Bucks, few could have predicted that Portland – a team he never played a minute for – would help facilitate his next major title run with Boston in 2024.

“I really appreciate what they did for me the first time around. That really does mean a lot for me and my career,” Holiday reflected, speaking about the 2023 deal in which Portland acquired him from Milwaukee in the Damian Lillard blockbuster, then rerouted him to the Celtics.

That trade ultimately helped Boston solidify its defense and veteran leadership, culminating in a Finals win.

Now, Holiday is donning a Blazers uniform for real – and with gratitude.

Holiday has played 16 seasons for 4 teams, including the Pelicans and 76ers. He has averaged 15.8 points, 6.2 assists and 4.2 rebounds in 1,037 regular-season games.

He was selected to play in 2 All-Star games, and has won 2 NBA championships.