When the Milwaukee Bucks traded Jrue Holiday as part of the blockbuster deal to acquire Damian Lillard, it was a move that shook the NBA.

Holiday, beloved for his instrumental role in the Bucks’ 2021 championship run, left behind a legacy of defensive grit and quiet leadership.

But for all his importance to Milwaukee’s past, the trade is proving to be a resounding win for their present—and potentially their future.

Holiday’s struggles in his second year in Boston vindicate the decision

Holiday’s transition to the Boston Celtics has been solid but unspectacular. He played a crucial part in their championship campaign a season ago, but as of late, his numbers are beginning to tell the story of a player showing signs of decline.

Through 23 games, he’s averaging 12.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and four assists per game—numbers that are down from his 2023-24 season averages of 12.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists.

More concerning is his drop in efficiency, as his overall field goal percentage has dipped from 48.9 percent to 44 percent, and his 3-point shooting has plummeted from a stellar 42.9 percent to a mediocre 33.3 percent.

While Holiday remains an elite defender, his offensive contributions are dwindling, which puts a cap on his overall impact as a whole. According to PBP Stats, the Boston Celtics are putting up a better net rating when Holiday is off the floor (+11.31) versus when he is playing (+8.67), as both offensive and defensive ratings go down whenever Holiday is on the court.

In Boston’s 3-point-heavy system, where he’s a secondary or tertiary option behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, his limited scoring output has become more glaring. He’s no longer the two-way force he was in Milwaukee, where his ability to score complemented his defensive prowess.

Dame Time is beginning to take flight for the Milwaukee Bucks

In contrast, Damian Lillard has been everything the Bucks hoped for—and more. After a sluggish start to the season, the seven-time All-Star is finding his groove in Milwaukee.

Through 22 games, Lillard is averaging 25.7 points, 7.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds. He’s returned to being the elite offensive engine the Bucks envisioned when they made the trade, delivering game-changing performances and proving himself in late-game situations where his “Dame Time” moniker has become legendary.

Unlike Holiday, Lillard’s offensive gravity reshapes the Milwaukee Bucks’ entire scheme. His pick-and-roll partnership with Giannis Antetokounmpo has been devastating, forcing defenses into impossible decisions. The duo’s synergy is a nightmare for opposing defenses and has provided Milwaukee with a level of offensive versatility they lacked in previous seasons.

The decision to trade Holiday was never easy. His contributions to the 2021 championship cemented his place in Bucks lore, and his departure marked the end of an era. But the NBA is a forward-looking league, and Milwaukee made the bold choice to pivot to Lillard in pursuit of sustained contention. The results speak for themselves.

Holiday’s decline in Boston underscores why the Milwaukee Bucks were right to move on when they did. His value as a defender remains high, but his offensive regression suggests he’s no longer the kind of player you build a championship contender around.

Lillard, on the other hand, represents the present and future of Milwaukee’s title aspirations. His ability to take over games and create offense in ways few players can has already justified the move, and as his chemistry with Giannis continues to improve, the Bucks’ ceiling only gets higher.

For Milwaukee, the trade wasn’t just about replacing Holiday with Lillard—it was about redefining what their team could be. The Bucks didn’t just upgrade their roster; they shifted their identity. Where they once relied on their elite defense to completely stifle opposing teams, they now lean into firepower and finesse while still maintaining an above-average defense.

s the season progresses, Lillard’s growing comfort in Milwaukee’s system will only magnify the contrast between him and Holiday. The Celtics may still be atop the Eastern Conference standings, but the Bucks are positioning themselves as the team with the best chance to challenge them when it matters most.

With Damian Lillard leading the charge, Milwaukee’s decision to trade Jrue Holiday continues to look better with each passing game.