The Boston Celtics are facing a pivotal offseason. With Jayson Tatum sidelined by a torn Achilles, President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens must reassess the direction of a roster that is both expensive and unlikely to contend in the upcoming season.
In light of this, Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale proposed a three-team trade that could help the Celtics offload top stars hefty contract—worth $134 million over three more years—while bringing in two versatile frontcourt pieces.
Proposed Trade:
- Celtics Receive: Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington
- Brooklyn Nets Receive: Dwight Powell (player option), 2026 second-round pick (most favorable of MIN, NOP, NYK, or POR, via Boston)
- Dallas Mavericks Receive: Jrue Holiday
Favale wrote: “Boston could look at rerouting them as part of a larger plan to skirt the second apron or the tax entirely. Or it could try trimming salary in a Porziņģis trade. This package would give the Celtics a ton of options as they potentially enter a gap year.”
Holiday, one of the few older veterans on Boston’s roster, is a logical trade candidate due to his high value around the league and a manageable, albeit expensive, contract. The Mavericks, fresh off a deep playoff run, could be an ideal destination for the two-time NBA champion, as they look to bolster their perimeter defense and add leadership to their backcourt.
Two Teams Already Listed as Jrue Holiday Suitors
Kurt Helin of NBC Sports suggests that the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs could become strong candidates to pursue Jrue Holiday in a trade this offseason.
“With Boston expected to cut payroll this summer, several playoff-caliber teams are likely to show interest in Jrue Holiday,” Helin noted. “The Rockets and Spurs could be two teams to keep an eye on.”
Holiday appeared in 62 games this past season, posting averages of 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, while shooting 44.3% from the field and 35.3% from beyond the arc. He also maintained his status as one of the league’s top perimeter defenders — a title often debated between him and Alex Caruso.
Holiday Hopes to Remain With Celtics
Speaking to the media on Friday, May 16, following the Celtics’ playoff exit, Jrue Holiday expressed his interest in remaining with the team.
“I believe we still have a great chance and a strong window to win another championship,” Holiday said. “The talent we have — both on the court and with the coaching staff, all the way up to Brad [Stevens] — has been incredible. So yes, I still want to be part of that opportunity to win now.”
Brad Stevens faces some difficult decisions this offseason. While Holiday is undeniably a winning player, Boston may not be in a position to seriously contend again until 2027. As a result, his value to the team could be declining, making a potential trade a logical move — assuming the Celtics can secure a worthwhile return.