The Boston Celtics, fresh off a championship chase in 2024, are on the cusp of a dramatic roster shakeup this summer 2025 offseason, as reported on May 24, 2025. With the NBA’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) second apron squeezing their finances, new owner Bill Chisholm is poised to make bold moves, and two key starters—Jrue Holiday and Derrick White—are reportedly on the trading block. With only Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown deemed untouchable, the Celtics’ fanbase is in an uproar over the potential loss of their beloved backcourt. Rumors point to the Sacramento Kings as a possible destination, but what’s driving this potential blockbuster? Let’s dive into the trade rumors, their financial and strategic implications, and what they mean for Boston’s championship aspirations.
The Boston Celtics’ 2024-25 season ended with a 50-32 record, securing the Eastern Conference’s second seed but falling short in the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets in a seven-game series. The roster, led by Jayson Tatum (30.1 PPG, 8.8 RPG) and Jaylen Brown (23.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG), was bolstered by Jrue Holiday’s defensive tenacity (12.5 PPG, 4.4 APG, 1.4 SPG) and Derrick White’s two-way brilliance (15.2 PPG, 5.2 APG, 39.5% 3PT). However, the NBA’s new CBA, with its punitive second apron for teams exceeding $188.9 million in payroll, has Boston’s $202 million payroll—third-highest in the league—under scrutiny. New owner Bill Chisholm, who acquired the team in 2024, is reportedly pushing for cost-cutting moves to avoid luxury tax penalties, which could reach $100 million if the roster remains intact.
The Trade Candidates: Jrue Holiday and Derrick White
Jrue Holiday, at 34, is a defensive stalwart and 2023 champion with Boston, but his 2024-25 season showed signs of decline. Averaging 12.5 points on 42.9% shooting, Holiday’s offensive output dipped, and his $37.3 million salary (through 2027) makes him a prime trade candidate. His championship experience and 1.4 steals per game remain valuable, but Boston sees an opportunity to capitalize on his trade value for contending teams. Derrick White, 30, is younger and more productive, posting 15.2 points, 5.2 assists, and a career-high 39.5% from three in 2024-25. White’s $20 million salary (through 2026) and versatility make him a cornerstone, but the Celtics are open to offers to maximize returns. Bleacher Report notes Boston prefers to keep White but won’t rule out moving him if the deal aligns with their long-term vision around Tatum and Brown.
The Sacramento Kings Connection
The Sacramento Kings, a Western Conference team with a 41-41 record in 2024-25, are a rumored suitor after trading De’Aaron Fox mid-season to the Los Angeles Lakers for draft picks and Anthony Davis. With Kevin Huerter (10.2 PPG) and Domantas Sabonis (19.4 PPG, 13.7 RPG) leading a reshuffled roster, the Kings aim to stay competitive rather than tank. Acquiring Holiday or White could bolster their backcourt, with Holiday’s defense complementing Sabonis’ playmaking or White’s shooting enhancing spacing. However, Sacramento’s trade assets—2026 and 2028 first-round picks, plus players like Keegan Murray ($8.8 million)—may only suffice for one guard, not both. Boston, per sources, prefers trading Holiday and White separately to maximize returns, potentially targeting young talent or picks to rebuild depth.
Strategic and Financial Implications
For Boston, trading Holiday or White is a high-stakes balancing act. Holiday’s $37.3 million cap hit, combined with Tatum’s $34.8 million and Brown’s $31.8 million, pushes Boston deep into the second apron, limiting roster flexibility. Moving Holiday could free cap space to sign cost-controlled role players or extend Sam Hauser ($2 million, expiring 2025). White’s trade value, given his age and production, could net a star-level return, but his departure would weaken Boston’s backcourt depth, relying on Payton Pritchard (9.6 PPG) or rookie Baylor Scheierman. President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, known for calculated moves, must weigh short-term contention against long-term sustainability. A trade with Sacramento could yield Murray, a 24-year-old forward averaging 15.2 PPG, or draft capital to target 2026 prospects like Cooper Flagg.
For Sacramento, adding Holiday or White aligns with their win-now mentality. Holiday’s veteran leadership could stabilize a young roster, while White’s shooting (39.5% 3PT) addresses their 22nd-ranked three-point percentage (34.7%). However, the Kings’ limited assets make a blockbuster deal challenging, and overpaying could hinder their rebuild if Sabonis ($40.5 million, 2027) departs. Fan reactions on X are heated, with Celtics fans decrying the potential loss of Holiday’s “clutch DNA” or White’s “heart and soul,” one user stating, “Trading Jrue or Derrick is a betrayal of our 2023 ring!” Kings fans, meanwhile, are split, with some excited for a star guard, others wary of losing Murray.
Challenges and Risks
The Celtics face risks in dismantling a championship-caliber roster. Trading Holiday could disrupt team chemistry, as his leadership was pivotal in 2023, while losing White might sap offensive versatility, given his 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals per game. Boston’s bench, with Al Horford (36, $9.5 million) aging, lacks depth to absorb such losses, and the Eastern Conference’s competitiveness—led by Milwaukee and Philadelphia—demands a strong core. Financially, staying above the second apron could restrict mid-level exceptions, forcing reliance on minimum contracts. For Sacramento, acquiring a guard without Fox’s playmaking could stall their offense, ranked 14th in efficiency (114.2 points per 100 possessions). Both teams must navigate these trade-offs carefully.
The rumored trade of Jrue Holiday or Derrick White signals a pivotal moment for the Boston Celtics, balancing financial pressures with championship ambitions. As the Sacramento Kings eye a backcourt upgrade, Boston’s fanbase braces for a potential roster overhaul that could redefine their future. Will Brad Stevens pull the trigger on a blockbuster deal, or can the Celtics keep their core intact? As the 2025 offseason looms, these trade rumors will dominate NBA discussions.