Boston Celtics Want 1st Round Pick For Jrue Holiday
The Boston Celtics’ offseason has begun, and with an expensive roster over the luxury tax second apron, trades are expected. One move that has gained some traction is Jrue Holiday. Holiday is one of the better players on the roster. He is still a premier playmaker and perimeter defender, but his age and contract make him one of the easier players to move on from in their starting lineup. Boston has reportedly been searching the trade market for deals for Holiday and could be seeking a first-round draft pick. This would help the team shed salary for next season.
Boston Celtics Trading Holiday
Matt Moore, of Hardwood Paroxysm, spoke on this situation, saying, “Hall of Famer Marc Stein reported this weekend that Boston is listening to trade offers for Holiday, something most people assumed. While the focus has been on reducing payroll, sources have told the Paroxysm that Boston is setting the price at a first-round pick along with whatever reduced salary comes back in the deal.” As the quote suggests, many expected the Boston Celtics to listen to trade offers around Holiday. But now, the price has become a bit clearer, to land a first-round pick and reduce salary.
This also means that the Boston Celtics may not receive a player on Holiday’s level in the trade if they are asking for draft capital. The Celtics have some depth at guard, with fellow starter Derrick White and the Sixth Man of the Year award winner, Payton Pritchard. But Holiday has proven to be the best defender of the three when healthy. He can still bring value and contributions to whatever team is willing to trade for him. But the team will need assets that they’re willing to part with, like draft picks, while also being able to handle Holiday’s contract.
Jrue Holiday’s Time In Boston
This season was an underwhelming one for Holiday and the Boston Celtics. Holiday missed 20 games with lingering injuries, but even when he did play, he did not look 100%. He averaged 11.1 points per game, shooting 44.3% from the field and 35.3% from three. These numbers were all down from his previous season with the Celtics. But he still showed flashes of the elite two-way player he’s been in the past. If a team needs a stop, there still aren’t many guards who can defend better than Holiday. However, he is 34 years old and is about to turn 35.
In 2024, Holiday looked like the missing piece for the Boston Celtics. His scoring was not significantly better, averaging 12.5 points per game, but his shooting percentages were up, and he brought the veteran composure that the team needed to win a championship. That is not something that can be easily replicated, even as Holiday gets older and his health declines. But Boston’s salary predicament is dire, and moves need to be made.
A future first-round pick would help land more draft capital, considering that the Boston Celtics usually pick late in the first round. And depending on the year and the team that the pick belongs to, the value of it could vary. It would be an easy way to move off the contract without taking on much salary in return. But it also lessens Boston’s chances to compete.
Final Thoughts
Holiday has been an important player for the Boston Celtics since they acquired him two seasons ago, but the organization is looking to move on and seeking a first-round draft pick in return. This sets the bar for how much Boston values Holiday and reveals that a trade involving him is very likely this offseason.
