Latest Giannis Trade Rumors on Desire to Play with Jrue Holiday amid Knicks Buzz

If the New York Knicks or any other contenders are going to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo, acquiring Jrue Holiday first might help their cause.

According to Ian Begley of SNY, the Greek Freak is reportedly interested in playing with his former teammate once again:

"Obviously they won a title together in Milwaukee," he noted. "And so trading for Jrue makes you more enticing for Giannis, in terms of if he can try to finagle his way to a certain destination. You have Holiday, a guy he wants to play with, that probably moves you up on his list in terms of preferred destinations."

Holiday, 35, is averaging 15.3 points and 6.9 assists this season for the Portland Trail Blazers. Acquiring him has two potential drawbacks—his age and his contract. Not only will any teams have to match his $32.4 million contract this season in a trade, but he's also set to make $34.8 million next year and has a player option for $37.2 million in 2027-28.

Getting the inside track to acquire Giannis probably makes that worth it, however. If Holiday is moved before February's trade deadline, it could mean an Antetokounmpo deal is soon to follow.