NBA: Top 5 moves that raised teams' championship ceilings

NBA: Top 5 moves that raised teams’ title ceilings

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 30: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns controls the ball pressured by Bogdan Bogdanovic #13 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half of the NBA game at Phoenix Suns Arena on March 30, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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NBA Miami Heat defend Jrue Holiday (Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports) /

No. 2: Jrue Holiday traded to the Milwaukee Bucks

After losing to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Bucks took a leap of faith and traded most of their future draft arsenal for then-Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday. On the cusp of winning the NBA Finals, the move has worked out so far.

Holiday has been outstanding for the Bucks, especially defensively. Recently, he was named to the All-Defensive First Team and kept up his reputation as one of the best guard defenders in the NBA. He was a huge part of how the Bucks got back into the series versus the Nets after going down 0-2.

Offensively, he has fit perfectly into Mike Budenholzer’s offense. He averaged career bests of 50.3 percent from the field and 39.2 percent from 3 in the regular season, all while not turning over the ball (only 2.2 turnovers).

In the playoffs, he has shouldered the load and more than made up for Giannis’s absence with his incredible defense and multiple 20-plus point game performances. Additionally, in a year with a ton of uncertainty due to injuries, he has played more than 30 minutes in each playoff game this year and eclipsed over 40 in several games.

After a terrible end to last season in the NBA Bubble, the Bucks now have a chance to redeem themselves and win the NBA championship.

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