The Boston Celtics may be preparing to part ways with veteran guard Jrue Holiday, with the front office reportedly seeking a first-round pick and salary-matching pieces in return. As the team grapples with financial constraints and a sudden postseason setback, Holiday’s name has emerged prominently in trade discussions.
According to Hardwood Paroxysm, Boston is looking for “a first-rounder and whatever reduced salary comes back in the deal” to move Holiday, who is entering the second season of a four-year, $134 million contract. Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported over the weekend that the Celtics are “listening to calls” on the 34-year-old point guard.
Holiday’s leadership and defensive prowess were instrumental in Boston’s 2024 championship run, but he posted modest numbers in the 2024–25 season. He averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, while shooting 35.3 percent from three-point range — a noticeable dip from his previous campaign, when he shot nearly 43 percent from deep and earned second-team All-Defense honors.
With one of the league’s highest payrolls and Jayson Tatum sidelined long-term after an Achilles rupture in Boston’s second-round loss to the Knicks, the Celtics are widely expected to retool around their core. Trading Holiday would help alleviate their financial burden while potentially bringing in valuable draft capital.
However, finding a willing trade partner may prove tricky. Holiday’s age, combined with his sizable contract, narrows the field of potential suitors. The Los Angeles Clippers have been mentioned as a possible destination, but NBA analyst Matt Moore noted that their interest “has been overstated,” a sentiment echoed by The Athletic’s Law Murray on a recent podcast.
The Celtics’ offseason outlook extends beyond Holiday. Forwards Kristaps Porzingis, 29, and Sam Hauser, 27, have also surfaced in trade rumors. With Tatum’s injury casting uncertainty over next season, Boston appears ready to make difficult decisions to maintain flexibility and competitiveness.
Holiday’s value as a playoff-tested, defensive-minded floor general still appeals to contenders, but whether a team is willing to meet Boston’s asking price remains uncertain.
