In a developing story that could shake up the NBA offseason, Jrue Holiday’s time with the Boston Celtics appears to be nearing its end, with trade speculation escalating at a dramatic pace. According to league insiders, the Celtics are actively weighing their options as they seek to shed salary—and the $104 million remaining on Holiday’s contract over the next three years makes him the most likely candidate to be moved.
Holiday, now 35, played a significant role in Boston’s recent championship run, but signs are pointing to an exit as his performance dipped this past season. He averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game—numbers that, while respectable, mark a noticeable drop from his prime. With age catching up and salary space at a premium, the Celtics seem poised to part ways.
But Boston won’t be short on suitors. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, two Western Conference powerhouses—the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers—have emerged as the frontrunners in what’s becoming a rapidly intensifying race for Holiday’s services.
“I don’t think a pick. Both of the two teams you mentioned, Chris, are interesting to me with Dallas and the Clips,” said Marks. “They’re interesting to me because they have two players who have player options with Kyrie Irving (Mavericks) and James Harden with the Clippers. What happens with both those players I think will play a significant role as far as the flexibility that the Clips will have and Dallas will have.”
The intrigue centers around the uncertain futures of Irving and Harden. While Kyrie’s health remains in question—he’s recovering from a torn ACL—the Mavericks are already in the market for a veteran guard to help share the load. Holiday, with his championship pedigree and defensive tenacity, fits the mold perfectly. Meanwhile, the Clippers face their own offseason dilemmas with Harden’s contract, and could look to Holiday as a stabilizing presence if things go south.
What makes this potential trade scenario even more compelling is Boston’s willingness to capitalize on Holiday’s remaining value, even if his numbers have dipped. While they won’t get peak return, the Celtics could leverage the desperation of the Clippers and Mavs to extract favorable terms. It’s all part of a calculated effort to maintain long-term flexibility and competitiveness after climbing the NBA mountaintop.
Despite the potential for other teams to enter the fray, Dallas and Los Angeles are currently viewed as the most aggressive and best-positioned to secure a deal. The Celtics know that while they’re grateful for what Holiday brought—especially his title-winning contributions—the franchise must now think long-term. The trade would also provide space for Boston to restructure its core and possibly pursue younger assets or more financially viable contracts.
And while the headlines revolve around Holiday, Boston is hardly done shaking things up. Jaylen Brown continues to be linked to surprise suitors, including the San Antonio Spurs. Coach Joe Mazzulla is also reportedly scouting elite international talent. Meanwhile, former Celtics players have not held back—some have even slammed Kristaps Porzingis, calling for his departure.
The message is loud and clear: Boston is entering a new chapter, and Jrue Holiday could be the first domino to fall.
