Dallas Mavericks: How the Jrue Holiday trade impacts the Mavs
By Carter Lacy
How the Jrue Holiday trade impacts the Dallas Mavericks: 3. Bucks favored to win East
Jrue Holiday has built himself quite the resume as he prepares for his ascent to championship contention next to Giannis Antetokounmpo. He is a two-time All-NBA Defensive player, a former All-Star, and only recently turned 30 years old. He immediately brings a fierce two-way game to complement Giannis.
Milwaukee sent three first-rounders, two pick swaps, Eric Bledsoe and George Hill back to New Orleans. The Bucks also completed a sign-and-trade with the Sacramento Kings, shipping Ersan Ilyasova, D.J. Wilson, and Donte DiVincenzo in return for Bogdan Bogdanovic.
Milwaukee now has a “big three” of Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Holiday. It shows a passionate desire to win from the Bucks front office after yearly playoff disappointments at the hands of Miami and Boston.
The Mavericks won’t have to immediately stress about Milwaukee unless they reach the NBA Finals, which we will worry about that if it becomes a reality. The Dallas Mavericks can learn from Milwaukee’s dedication to their star player, though. They have dispelled all the rumors about Giannis leaving and put all their chips in to commit to him.
Milwaukee’s path to the Finals next year will still only grow more difficult with the seemingly rehauled Brooklyn Nets entering the picture. Miami will still be competitive, even with some expected departures possibly beginning this week. Philadelphia is all but certain to bolster their roster with the expectation that they move on from two of Horford, Embiid, Simmons, and Harris.
Despite all these obstacles, Giannis has one of the league’s better all-around guards to help him through a revigorated Eastern Conference.
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