The Los Angeles Clippers are coming off their healthiest season in years and were just inches away from advancing past the first round of the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2021.
Because of that, it will be no surprise that LA plans to add some reinforcements this offseason. The Boston Celtics have been linked as a potential trade partner, as MassLive's Brian Robb reported that the Clippers have interest in Jrue Holiday.
The one caveat is that Holiday is on an expensive contract, and will only continue to get expensive over the next three years. He will get paid over $30 million annually as he approaches his late-30s.
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4)
Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4)
David Butler II-Imagn Images
Hence, the Clippers may look for cheaper options first. ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel revealed that there are two Celtics alumni that the Clippers may target: Malcolm Brogdon and Marcus Smart.
"The Clippers are going to continue adding experienced guys to their roster, and Malcolm Brogdon still seems realistic," SIegel wrote. "Wouldn’t be shocked to see them inquire about Marcus Smart either."
The Clippers previously targeted Brogdon back when they were the original third team that helped orchestrate the trade that would send Kristaps Porzingis to Boston in 2023, but bowed out. He could have more appeal to them now because he may not cost as much.
Since the Celtics traded Smart in 2023, he has struggled staying on the court because of injuries, but he too would cost substantially less than Holiday would, and his contract is set to expire in 2026. He is also a former Defensive Player of the Year, winning the award with Boston in 2022.