The Boston Celtics are reportedly open to trading veteran point guard Jrue Holiday this offseason as they look to shed salary and navigate upcoming cap constraints. With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to a torn Achilles tendon, the Celtics may use this opportunity to retool their roster.
Celtics' Asking Price for Jrue Holiday
According to reports, the Celtics are seeking a first-round pick in exchange for Holiday. They also want to ensure they take back a lower salary than Holiday's $32.4 million cap hit for the 2025-26 season. This suggests the Celtics are prioritizing financial flexibility alongside acquiring future assets.
Despite being 34 years old, Holiday remains a valuable asset. A six-time All-Defensive team selection, he brings elite perimeter defense and veteran leadership to any team. This past season, Holiday averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.
Potential Trade Destinations
Several teams could be interested in acquiring Holiday. The Sacramento Kings, led by new general manager Scott Perry, are reportedly seeking to upgrade their point guard position. Holiday, along with Marcus Smart, is said to be on their radar.
The Dallas Mavericks are another potential suitor. With Kyrie Irving recovering from a torn ACL, the Mavericks could use a reliable point guard to maintain their playoff aspirations. A trade package involving Daniel Gafford, Max Christie, and a draft pick could be appealing to the Celtics.
- Sacramento Kings: Need playmaking and defense at the point guard position.
- Dallas Mavericks: Seeking a short-term solution at point guard while Irving recovers.
- Other Contenders: Any team looking to bolster their perimeter defense and add veteran leadership.
The Celtics are reportedly not looking for a straight salary dump, indicating they want to remain competitive even with Tatum's injury. Trading with a team that believes they can win now will give them the best chance to acquire valuable assets in return for Holiday.