Why A Jrue Holiday Trade Would Make Sense For The Dallas Mavericks Alongside Cooper Flagg

James PierceyMay 4, 2026 9:31 PM

DHJ Quick Take: Mavericks’ Search for a Defensive Identity

The Identity Pivot: Following the Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis eras, the organization’s messaging is singular: defense. Pairing Cooper Flagg with a point-of-attack stopper would officially cement this new philosophy.
The Holiday Factor: Even at 35, Jrue Holiday remains an elite defensive stabilizer. Coming off a season averaging 16.3 points and 6.1 assists with a 57.3% True Shooting %, he offers the veteran poise needed to guide a rebuilding roster.
Trade Mechanics: Acquiring Holiday requires creativity. Moving Kyrie Irving is the most direct path, though a package centered on Klay Thompson and Daniel Gafford could appeal to Portland as they prioritize floor spacing for Scoot Henderson.

The hiring of Masai Ujiri as President of Basketball Operations presents a definitive turning point for the Dallas Mavericks. After a 26-56 season that saw the departure of both Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis, the slate is effectively clean.

Ujiri’s primary objective is clear: build a sustainable championship infrastructure around Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. With the front office leadership finalized, attention turns to stabilizing a backcourt that struggled with consistency and defensive resistance.

According to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer, veteran guard Jrue Holiday has emerged as a potential target to provide the two-way gravity Ujiri’s rosters have historically prioritized.

Dallas Mavericks Should Target Veteran Guard

That would be the Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday.

Holiday has long been recognized as one of the best defensive guards in the NBA. Even at 35, that remains true. He’s also a two-time champion who seems to win wherever he goes.

Holiday is coming off a strong offensive season as well, averaging 16.3 points and 6.1 assists per game with a 57.3% true shooting percentage. It’s fair to say he could decline at any point at this age, but it’s also fair to say that he’s likely to remain impactful next year. Holiday could be a guy who elevates the Mavericks:

But what’s the path towards acquiring him?

A Few Ways to Acquire Jrue Holiday

The easiest way would be to move Kyrie Irving.

It’s hard to say whether Portland would want him. Still, a three-team deal is always an option. The Mavericks were largely without Irving this year. If they think Holiday is the type of piece they’d prefer to pair with Flagg long-term, they could try to find an avenue to flip Irving for him.

Alternatively, something built around Klay Thompson and Daniel Gafford could be viable. Thompson has has limited time to win a championship and it hasn’t come to fruition in Dallas, and Gafford has been dealing with injuries. The Blazers could value Thompson’s floor spacing if they want to put the ball in Scoot Henderson‘s hands.

There’s also a distinct possibility that there’s no deal to be done. The offseason is a time for speculation. It may be far-fetched, but if the Mavericks want to establish themselves as a premier defensive team, adding Holiday’s point-of-attack stopping power could be massive.

It would help them firmly establish their identity.