Jrue Holiday said he wanted to retire a Milwaukee Buck just before he was traded

27 September 2023 , 20:05

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Jrue Holiday has been traded from the team he wanted to finish his career with. (Image: Getty Images)

Jrue Holiday did not expect the Milwaukee Bucks trade that sent him to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of a deal to acquire Damian Lillard. In fact, Holiday said he wanted to retire with the franchise just a day before they shipped him out.

The veteran point guard had become a fan favourite for his defensive intensity and won an NBA Finals with the organisation in 2020/21. He emphasised this week that he was open to a contract extension that would tie him to the Bucks for the rest of his career.

"Would love to [sign an extension]," Holiday told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "Before I even won here I think I said I'm a Buck for life and I mean that like deep in my heart. I don't want to play for any other team. I think we have a chance to continue to do great things as the Bucks team and organization so I want to be in Milwaukee."

"So, being with the Bucks, having three of the best seasons I've had in my career, and not only that but having a winning record, being a top team or a top-three team, I don't think I was ever on a top three-team until I came to the Bucks. Growing up in the 90s and always hearing yeah, you're one of the greatest if you win, so I'm thinking like, yeah, I'm that dude - or one of them – because of how I won, because we have won, and also because we're on a winning team."

The three-team Holiday trade involved six other players and substantial draft assets. Other big names involved include Deandre Ayton, who went from the Phoenix Suns to the Trail Blazers, and Jusuf Nurkic, who went the other direction. According to ESPN, Portland will likely trade Holiday to a contending team before the new NBA season starts.

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Recent comments from Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo may have factored into Milwaukee's decision to oust a beloved player. Antetokounmpo issued a not-so-subtle warning that if the organisation didn't take aggressive steps to improve its roster soon, he would consider forcing his way to another team.

"I'm a Milwaukee Buck, but most importantly, I am a winner. I want to be a winner. Comfort zone does not matter to me," Antetokounmpo said to Bleav Sports a couple of weeks ago. "At the end of the day, I want to create new memories, I want to win a lot of championships. If there is a better situation for me to win the Larry O'Brien, I have to take that better situation."

Jrue Holiday leaves the Bucks as an NBA champion. (Getty Images)

Lillard's superior offensive game compared with Holiday will change Milwaukee's play style. The Bucks fired head coach Mike Budenholzer and replaced him with Adrian Griffin, which could bring a further shift in tactics.

While Holiday's plan to stay in Milwaukee for life shattered, he has been through the trade carousel before, having also played for the Philadelphia 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans.

Dan Bernstein