Celtics’ Likeliest Trade Piece is 2x Champion Vet

With the Boston Celtics now underway with their offseason, next season already looks like a wash, considering the injury and recovery timetable for Jayson Tatum. The Celtics won’t be expected to be title contenders without him, and it’s up in the air whether Jaylen Brown can be a sure-fire No.1 option, which he would be entering the 2025-26 season, warranted or not. There also arises the question surrounding Boston’s remaining roster and who might be out the door this offseason. Brown and Tatum are considered safe unless something of astronomic proportions comes crashing down during the summer months. That said, what about the others? For instance, could the Celtics trade Jrue Holiday? 

Celtics’ Likeliest Trade Piece is 2x Champion Vet

Boston Celtics’ Jrue Holiday could be a trade asset in the offseason amid possible roster changes

Holiday is, and has been, one of the NBA’s top defenders, especially perimeter defenders. Since joining the Celtics, he has been their best defensive player. On top of that, his resume, which has multiple championships, likely makes him a Hall of Fame inductee down the road. However, if you paid any attention to these playoffs, Holiday looked considerably slower than in seasons past. The 35-year-old veteran is currently playing on a four-year contract, with three years remaining. Considering Boston’s present situation with Tatum and next season being seriously in flux, the front office might make some changes, considering their veteran players, including Holiday, among them.

Holiday is expected to be Boston’s likeliest trade piece, according to NBA insider Marc Stein of The Stein Line. Holiday over Derrick White, Stein writes. White is also a vet, but four years younger than Holiday. White also produced a much better regular season and postseason than Holiday. If any other player outside of Brown and Tatum should be considered safe, White should be that player. 

Re-working the roster could re-open the window

Boston could most benefit from the course of action by allowing Tatum to go through his recovery into late next season and offload some of their veteran contracts along the way. These efforts would be toward rebuilding by getting younger around Tatum and Brown. That way, for the start of the 2026-27 season, Boston will have an almost brand-new team still centered around their superstar duo. Brown and Tatum will, surprisingly, still be 30 years of age or under at that point. Boston’s title window could re-open for a few more years.

Aside from Holiday, it’s also possible that Kristaps Porziņģis may also be at the end of his Celtics journey. He will be on an expiring deal worth $30.7 million next year this offseason. Given his free agent status this summer, Al Horford will also likely be gone. If Boston were to retool, a year shy of winning the title, this summer and next season could be the perfect opportunity. 

 

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