As the Boston Celtics seek to lower their payroll, a trade could be the solution. Jrue Holiday has been rumored to be one of the players they’re looking to move, but should the Brooklyn Nets acquire him?
Should The Nets Trade For This 2-Time NBA Champion?
Holiday, 34, is one of the NBA’s top defensive guards. He has three years remaining on his $134 million contract and will earn $32.4 million next season. Due to the luxury tax bill, the Celtics are projected to hit $500 million next year, forcing tough roster decisions. Holiday, along with Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White, has surfaced in trade rumors this summer.
The Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, and Dallas Mavericks have expressed interest in acquiring the veteran. Although the Nets haven’t pursued him yet, they should, given their need for a point guard. With young talent like Cam Thomas, Cameron Johnson, and Nic Claxton, Brooklyn could benefit from Holiday’s experience.
Jrue Holiday’s Impact
Known for his elite defense, Holiday earned three All-Defensive First Team selections and was named to three All-Defensive Second Teams. He also won two NBA championships, one with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 and the other with the Celtics in 2024, while making two All-Star appearances.
This season, Holiday continued to make an impact on both ends of the court, averaging 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. However, the reigning champions fell short in their quest to repeat, exiting in Game 6 of the second round against the New York Knicks.
Holiday’s Role In Brooklyn
The Nets are in a position to acquire Holiday. Brooklyn holds four draft picks and has the salary cap to pursue free agents or make trades. With some good years still left, Holiday could provide veteran leadership, championship experience, defense, knowledge of zones on offense, and heavy minutes, working well with the younger players. Additionally, he would provide mentorship, especially to Thomas, who has expressed wanting to improve.
Brooklyn has not made their rebuilding strategy clear. Two players rumored to be on their radar were Giannis Antetokounmpo and Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga. However, recent reports suggest they are no longer pursuing the latter. General manager Sean Marks previously spoke about the Nets’ approach to roster building.
“We need to be opportunistic,” Marks said. “In this market, we’re always going to have various free agents and opportunities thrown at us, simply by being in a top-five market. That’s going to happen. We don’t want to rush the process. We’ve talked multiple times about being systematic and strategic in how we build. We know we have 15 first-round picks in the next six or seven years.”
With the Celtics looking to save money and the Nets needing veteran experience, a Jrue Holiday trade is something both sides should consider.
Featured image: © Rob Gray-Imagn Images
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