Grade the Trade: Mavericks acquire star perimeter defender in mock blockbuster

Dallas acquires Jrue Holiday

Portland acquired some valuable assets after trading away franchise stalwart Damian Lillard. Nevertheless, one player doesn't fit the Blazers' timeline. Jrue Holiday. The former Buck is 33 years old, and would subsequently be the oldest player on Portland's active roster.

The Trail Blazers don't even roster another player over 30 years old. Additionally, Portland seems set in the backcourt. With an emphasis on youth, Portland will likely ship Holiday out to a contender with youth and draft capital highest on the agenda.

Dallas may not be the most ideal fit, as Holiday has spent the past three seasons primarily playing point guard. And it just so happens that the best two players on the Dallas roster are point guards.

But, the Mavs are still in need of a staunch perimeter defender. And that's exactly what Holiday provides.

In this trade, Dallas sends over Tim Hardaway Jr., Richaun Holmes, Josh Green, and a 2027 first-round pick to receive Holiday from Portland.

Unfortunately for Holiday's suitors, Holiday cannot be traded along with other players for two months, thus draft capital can only be sent along with Holiday if he were to be traded again.

Although the Mavs aren't receiving any picks alongside Holiday in this deal, they are maximizing their championship window by adding a former NBA Champion, All-Star, and top-notch perimeter defender.

Hardaway Jr. and Holmes are essential to match Holiday's salary. Holiday is owed roughly $35 million this season and $37 million next season unless he declines his player option in the 2024-25 season. Both players have been on the trade block this summer at some point, and this trade allows Dallas to finally move them.

The combination of Hardaway Jr. and Holmes' salaries equates to roughly $30 million. Adding in Green essentially matches Holiday's salary.

This trade is more about Portland receiving a second first-round pick from trading Lillard and another key young prospect who is still improving. Portland does receive a sharpshooter, Hardaway Jr., and a backup big, Holmes, but both may be buyout or trade candidates as well.

With this in mind, we'll grade the trade for both Dallas and Portland. How will this trade affect the current roster and the future roster construction?