The NBA offseason is a time of bold moves and strategic gambles, but few proposals are as ambitious as the three-team trade idea floated by Eric Pincus on May 30, 2025. With the Boston Celtics reeling from Jayson Tatum’s season-ending Achilles injury and the Dallas Mavericks facing uncertainty with Kyrie Irving’s absence, this trade aims to save Boston $230 million while bolstering Dallas’ roster and positioning the Brooklyn Nets for a savvy rebuild. Involving stars like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis, this deal has sparked heated discussions among fans. What makes this trade a potential game-changer, and how could it redefine the futures of all three teams?
The Stakes: Celtics’ Financial Crisis and Mavericks’ Injury Woes
The Boston Celtics entered the 2025 offseason with championship aspirations, but Tatum’s injury has forced a painful reality check. With a projected payroll of $532 million, including a staggering $270.6 million in repeater taxes, the Celtics face immense pressure to cut costs while remaining competitive. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks, fresh off trading Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis, are grappling with Kyrie Irving’s injury, which could sideline him until late in the season. The Mavericks need a reliable star to complement Davis, and Jrue Holiday, a defensive stalwart and respected leader, fits the bill.
Enter the Brooklyn Nets, who hold a rare advantage with significant cap space in a tight free-agency market. This three-team trade, set to be executed after the NBA’s moratorium on July 6, aims to address each team’s needs: Boston sheds salary, Dallas strengthens its roster, and Brooklyn gains draft capital and flexibility. The deal involves high-profile players like Holiday, Porziņģis, Daniel Gafford, and PJ Washington, alongside draft picks and trade exceptions, making it a complex but potentially transformative move.
Breaking Down the Trade: Who Gets What?
The trade’s structure is intricate but strategic. The Mavericks would acquire Jrue Holiday and a $3 million trade exception, giving them a top-tier defensive guard to pair with Davis and eventually Irving. The Celtics would receive Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington, Drew Timme, and multiple trade exceptions, allowing them to stay competitive while slashing their payroll by $233.8 million. The Nets, in return, would take on Kristaps Porziņģis, Dwight Powell, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Xavier Tillman Sr., Neemias Queta, a 2026 protected first-round pick, and a 2027 first-round pick swap, leveraging their cap space to fuel their rebuild.
For Dallas, Holiday’s arrival ensures stability at point guard during Irving’s absence. His defensive prowess and leadership—evidenced by his NBA sportsman and teammate awards—make him a perfect fit alongside Davis and emerging talent like Cooper Flagg, the presumed No. 1 overall pick. The Mavericks can also use their taxpayer mid-level exception to add a veteran center, maintaining depth despite losing Gafford and Washington.
The Celtics, while losing Holiday and Porziņģis, gain Gafford’s rim protection and Washington’s versatility, both of whom bring Finals experience. The massive savings allow Boston to re-sign Al Horford and Luke Kornet for a combined $10 million, keeping the roster competitive with a projected $205.1 million payroll and $63.2 million tax bill. This move positions Boston to remain a 5-8 seed in the East, preserving their long-term goal of pairing Jaylen Brown with a healthy Tatum in 2026-27.
The Nets, with their cap room of $50-$80 million, act as the trade’s facilitator, absorbing contracts to reach the NBA’s $139.2 million salary floor. The addition of Porziņģis, a potential buyout candidate or long-term asset, alongside young players like Prosper and draft compensation, aligns with Brooklyn’s patient rebuild under GM Sean Marks. The Nets retain flexibility to pursue additional trades or free agents, positioning themselves for the 2026 lottery.
Why This Trade Resonates
This trade proposal is more than a financial maneuver; it’s a testament to the NBA’s evolving landscape, where salary caps and injuries force teams to make tough choices. For Celtics fans, the deal offers hope of staying competitive without Tatum, while Mavericks fans see a path to a formidable rotation with Holiday, Davis, and Flagg. Nets fans, meanwhile, are excited about the draft capital and cap flexibility that could shape their future.
The trade also highlights the human element of the NBA. Holiday’s reputation as a teammate and leader makes him a valuable asset beyond his on-court skills, while Porziņģis’ potential in Brooklyn could redefine his career. Social media buzz around this proposal reflects fans’ fascination with how star power, financial strategy, and team-building intersect, making this a story that transcends the court.
The proposed three-team trade between the Celtics, Mavericks, and Nets is a bold vision for the NBA’s future, balancing immediate needs with long-term goals. By saving Boston $230 million, strengthening Dallas’ championship aspirations, and fueling Brooklyn’s rebuild, this deal could reshape the league’s competitive landscape. As fans debate the merits of trading stars like Holiday and Porziņģis, one thing is clear: this blockbuster proposal captures the drama, strategy, and ambition that make the NBA offseason a spectacle. Whether it comes to fruition or not, this trade idea has ignited imaginations and set the stage for a thrilling 2025-26 season.