Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday believes the Minnesota Timberwolves were one trade away from winning their first NBA title. According to a report from Yahoo Sports, Holiday told a coach that acquiring him would have pushed the young, hungry Wolves over the top.
Minnesota has been a dangerous but not dominant contender, never the odds-on favorite but a team few want to face in a playoff series. Holiday, a multi-time NBA champion and elite two-way guard, would have provided the veteran presence and perimeter defense the roster lacks.
The Timberwolves' current core, led by Anthony Edwards, has shown flashes of greatness but has yet to break through to the Finals. Holiday's comment underscores the narrow margin between contender and champion in a competitive Western Conference.
Whether such a trade was ever realistic remains unclear. The Timberwolves have not publicly explored acquiring Holiday, and his value to Portland as both a player and mentor makes a deal unlikely. Minnesota's front office has signaled confidence in its existing roster.
"I think that team is really close," Holiday said, per Yahoo Sports. "One more piece and they could do it." His assessment, while flattering, highlights the perennial challenge of turning potential into a parade.