The Boston Celtics face a daunting financial challenge with their payroll exceeding the NBA’s second apron threshold by $19.9 million, triggering an estimated $238 million competitive balance tax—commonly known as the “luxury tax.” This figure surpasses their projected payroll by approximately $15 million. For new owner Bill Chisholm, the stakes are high, as staying above the second apron not only incurs a tax rate exceeding 100 percent but also imposes severe basketball penalties. These restrictions limit the team’s ability to make trades, sign free agents, and even utilize draft picks, potentially crippling the franchise.
To avoid this financial and operational stranglehold, the Celtics must shed payroll, and trading star players appears to be the only viable solution. Two-time NBA champion guard Jrue Holiday, who signed a four-year, $134.4 million contract after being acquired before the 2024-2025 season—a campaign that culminated in Boston’s record 18th championship—has emerged as the most likely candidate for a trade. Discussions about moving Holiday have circulated for months, with several teams linked as potential partners.
A Bold Proposal: Holiday to Spurs, Durant to Follow?
On Sunday, Boston.com NBA analyst Conor Roche proposed a blockbuster trade that could see Holiday joining forces with future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant, the eighth-highest scorer in NBA history with 41,237 career points. According to a Saturday report, Durant, playing on an expiring $54.7 million contract next season, is expected to be traded this offseason and has reportedly narrowed his preferred destinations to three teams, including the San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs, bolstered by center Victor Wembanyama and All-Star point guard De’Aaron Fox, are poised for a rapid rebuild to return to title contention. Adding Durant could elevate them to championship caliber, but their roster still lacks a defensive anchor. Enter Holiday, whose defensive prowess at age 34 makes him an ideal fit. Roche suggested the Spurs could trade guard Devin Vassell, who signed a five-year, $146 million extension in 2023, straight up for Holiday. Alternatively, a package involving players like Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, or Malaki Branham could be constructed to facilitate the deal.
Financial and Strategic Implications
A straight-up trade for Vassell would reduce Boston’s payroll by approximately $3 million, bringing them closer to ducking under the second apron. For San Antonio, absorbing Holiday’s contract would leave them with over $50 million in cap space before hitting the second apron, ample room to take on Durant’s $54.7 million salary. If the Spurs can secure Durant from the Phoenix Suns—who are also over the second apron and likely forced to trade him for less than his value—this trade could transform San Antonio into an NBA “super team” overnight, pairing Durant’s scoring with Holiday’s defense and Wembanyama’s generational talent.
For the Celtics, moving Holiday would be a painful but necessary step to preserve financial flexibility and avoid the punitive restrictions of the second apron. While losing a key piece from their championship roster stings, the trade could position Boston to remain competitive while navigating the NBA’s stringent salary cap rules.
A High-Stakes Gamble
The proposed trade is a high-stakes gamble for both franchises. For Boston, it’s about survival in a salary-cap landscape that punishes excess. For San Antonio, it’s a chance to leap from rebuilding to contending in a single offseason. Whether this radical plan comes to fruition remains uncertain, but the idea of Holiday and Durant teaming up in San Antonio is a tantalizing prospect that could reshape the NBA’s competitive balance.