While Brad Stevens and the Celtics front office will take some time ahead of an uncertain offseason, the trade rumors are already starting to circulate. Those around the NBA know the C’s will need to shed salary this summer due to luxury tax penalties, meaning other teams are going to keep a close eye on Boston.
Some of the Celtics starters have already started to appear in trade rumors. The Warriors are reportedly interested in trading for Derrick White. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis are also other potential trade pieces considering their salaries, though what any deal could look like is still up in the air.
For now, it sounds like there’s a hierarchy in terms of how movable a player is, per NBA insider Marc Stein. He writes that the Celtics are “more apt to make Jrue Holiday available via trade this offseason than Derrick White.” He also adds that Porzingis is considered “the most movable Boston vet” due to his expiring contract.
All that information isn’t necessarily surprising. White, 30, is signed through the 2028-29 season with a player option on a solid value contract for what he brings to the court. While the Celtics could trade White, the returns will have to be worth it considering he’s an integral part of the core.
So hearing that Holiday and Porzingis are more gettable than White feels natural. Holiday, 34, still has three years and $104 million left on his contract that includes a player option for the 2027-28 season. But teams will likely still be interested in landing a two-time champion with proven player experience — especially if they’re looking to take that next step, similar to when the Celtics acquired him. For what it’s worth, Holiday said during exit interviews he wants to stick around Boston.
“We still have a really, really great opportunity and a great window to be successful and win a championship again,” Holiday said. “I think the talent that we have on this team, not only on the court, but the coaching staff all the way up to Brad, has been amazing. So, the opportunity to win is now, and I still want to be a part of that.”
Porzingis is also the biggest question mark. He’s on an expiring $30.7 million contract for next year. The big man has dealt with injuries throughout his career, and his mystery illness during the playoffs took away his productivity. So if the Celtics indeed move Porzingis, they’ll need to find a suitable trade partner.