With the Boston Celtics reeling from their shocking playoff elimination at the hands of the New York Knicks and the devastating news of Jayson Tatum’s Achilles rupture, which will likely sideline him for most of the upcoming season, the team faces a challenging road ahead. No longer in championship contention without their star player, the Celtics, who are deep into the second apron of the luxury tax, are now forced to make tough financial decisions. To alleviate their salary cap burden and get under the luxury tax, trading key players from their core has become a necessity. Among the names swirling in trade rumors, Jrue Holiday stands out as a prime candidate.
In recent days, reports have surfaced linking the two-time All-Star to multiple teams, with the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings expressing interest in acquiring Holiday’s services. Now, a new suitor has entered the fray, adding intrigue to the ongoing trade discussions.
According to Brian Robb of MassLive, the Los Angeles Clippers have emerged as the latest team interested in trading for Holiday. The 35-year-old veteran, who is entering the second year of a four-year, $134 million extension signed last April, has been a cornerstone for the Celtics during his tenure. In 131 games with Boston, Holiday averaged 11.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, earning Second Team All-Defensive honors in 2024 and playing a pivotal role in the Celtics’ 18th championship run with numerous clutch performances throughout the playoffs.
However, Holiday’s performance this season has shown signs of decline, with his scoring dipping to a career-low 11.1 points per game, the lowest since his rookie year. Coupled with nagging injuries and the emergence of Payton Pritchard as a reliable contributor, it appears increasingly likely that Holiday’s time with the Celtics is drawing to a close.
While the exact return for Holiday remains uncertain, the Clippers reportedly consider only Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell untouchable in trade discussions, leaving the door open for other players to be included in a potential deal. Names like Bogdan Bogdanović and Derrick Jones Jr. have surfaced as likely candidates to be part of a trade package. Although the Clippers may not offer the most compelling package compared to other interested teams, a trade to Los Angeles could hold personal significance for Holiday. A Los Angeles native who played one season at UCLA, Holiday might welcome a return to his hometown.
Still, the Celtics are expected to prioritize their best interests, likely opting for the trade package that offers the most value, regardless of Holiday’s personal preferences. As trade talks heat up, the emergence of the Clippers as a third party adds another layer of complexity to Boston’s offseason strategy.