According to Jay King of The Athletic, Jrue Holiday may be the Boston Celtics’ best trade chip this summer in terms of the value they could get in return. “Though Holiday dealt with lingering injuries throughout the regular season, his reputation as a known winner and top defender should interest several contending teams if the Celtics do look to move him, according to league sources,” King wrote.
Holiday just wrapped up a solid postseason run, despite his injuries, and while his value around the league may not be what it once was, he proved that he can still contribute to winning basketball at the highest level.
It’s just a matter of the Celtics finding the best possible deal.
Why do the Celtics have to trade Jrue Holiday this summer?
Boston doesn’t really have to trade Holiday this summer, but they will be forced to make significant changes to their roster.
They have been a second-apron team for two years in a row, and hitting that mark for a third season would come with drastic CBA-induced penalties that the Celtics should want to avoid.
But since they are projected to be roughly $20 million over the second apron (without factoring in re-signing Luke Kornet, Al Horford, or others), the Celtics will almost definitely have to trade one of their larger contracts. Or maybe even two of them.
Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis seem to be the most obvious candidates to be traded.
What teams could want Jrue Holiday in a trade?
Any team looking to contend for a championship next year should be interested in Holiday. The real decider in their interest (or lack thereof) will be whether or not they have the means to trade for his contract.
All three Texas teams make a ton of sense as Holiday landing spots.
The San Antonio Spurs will have Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, and likely Dylan Harper leading the way. Or perhaps they trade the right to draft Harper for someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kevin Durant. Regardless, they have the means to land Holiday’s contract, and he would certainly help them win.
The Dallas Mavericks made it clear last season that they want to win a championship with defense. Holiday is one of the best defenders in the league. If they are okay with giving up the necessary contracts, then a deal could make some sense.
Lastly, the Houston Rockets are fresh off their best season in years, but got bounced in the first round of the playoffs. Adding a defensive-minded guard like Holiday could help further their identity under Ime Udoka.
Other teams that could make sense include the LA Clippers, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, or Detroit Pistons.