SO SOCKING NEWS: was being pursued by a surprise “A” team before to his sensational trade to the Boston Celtics.

Jrue Holiday was being pursued by a surprise NBA team before to his sensational trade to the Boston Celtics.

Before the start of training camp, the Boston Celtics pulled off a significant blockbuster trade, acquiring star player Jrue Holiday from the Portland Trail Blazers.

After Holiday was traded from the Milwaukee Bucks to Portland in the blockbuster Damian Lillard deal last month, Boston had not necessarily been mentioned a lot as a potential landing point.

However, in addition to franchise pillars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, front office chief Brad Stevens was able to add his second star of the offseason. These Celtics traded for Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards at the start of the offseason.

So, how close was this transaction to failing? Zach Lowe, an NBA insider for ESPN, said that multiple teams were interested in the 33-year-old two-time All-Star. That includes the unexpected Utah Jazz team.

Despite having a stunning 2022–23 season, Lowe points out that Utah might not have been Holiday’s first choice given that the team is still officially in the rebuilding phase.

This did not stop Danny Ainge, a former member of the Celtics front staff, and the Jazz from visiting while on vacation. Simply put, Boston outbid them. In order to get Holiday, the Celtics ultimately had to give up guard Malcolm Brogdon, rookie center Robert Williams, and two first-round picks.

In addition to being a five-time All-NBA Defensive Team performer, Holiday is a marked upgrade on offense from both Brogdon and Marcus Smart at point guard. He adds another dimension for Boston on both ends of the court.

As for the Utah Jazz, they traded franchise stalwarts Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert ahead of the 2022-23 season. For most, this led to the belief that Ainge and Co. were going into a full-scale rebuild.