The Boston Celtics’ 2025 postseason came to a disappointing close with a second-round elimination at the hands of the New York Knicks. Now, the franchise faces a crucial and financially delicate offseason. As they aim to dip below the NBA’s punitive second luxury tax apron, the Celtics are expected to make several cost-cutting moves — some of which could include parting ways with significant veteran contributors.
Among the potential trade candidates is Jrue Holiday, a two-time All-Star and one of the premier defensive guards of his generation. Holiday, who turned 34 this year, remains a tenacious presence on the perimeter, but his offensive production declined significantly during the 2024–25 campaign. He posted averages of 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game — the lowest scoring numbers of his career since his rookie season — while shooting 44.3 percent from the field, 35.3 percent from three, and 90.9 percent from the free-throw line.
Despite the offensive dip, many around the league believe Holiday still has plenty to offer in the right environment. One such possibility was floated by Jackson Caudell of Sports Illustrated, who proposed a complex three-team trade involving the Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and Sacramento Kings, which would see a reshuffling of notable players and assets across the board.
Proposed Trade Structure:
- Atlanta Hawks receive:
Jonas Valančiūnas (from Sacramento)
Sam Hauser (from Boston) - Sacramento Kings receive:
Jrue Holiday (from Boston)
Jordan Walsh (from Boston)
2025 first-round pick (28th overall, from Boston) - Boston Celtics receive:
Malik Monk (from Sacramento)
Keon Ellis (from Sacramento)
Dominick Barlow (from Atlanta)
2027 second-round pick (via Cleveland, from Atlanta)
What Each Team Gets:
Boston Celtics:
In this deal, the Celtics acquire Malik Monk, a dynamic scorer known for his ability to provide instant offense off the bench, and Keon Ellis, a defensive specialist who has flashed promising 3-and-D potential. They also receive Dominick Barlow, a developing young forward, and a future second-round draft asset. This package gives Boston more financial breathing room while also adding youth, perimeter scoring, and defensive versatility.
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Sacramento Kings:
The Kings, on the other hand, would be banking on veteran leadership and playoff experience by adding Jrue Holiday. The deal also lands them 21-year-old forward Jordan Walsh, a high-upside prospect, and Boston’s late first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft — an important get considering Sacramento does not currently hold its own first-rounder this year. Pairing Holiday with Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis could create a formidable trio on both ends of the floor. However, the trade comes at the cost of three key rotation players in Monk, Ellis, and center Jonas Valančiūnas, which would severely impact the team’s depth.
Atlanta Hawks:
In what could be considered a steal, the Hawks walk away with Jonas Valančiūnas, a proven starting center, and sharpshooting wing Sam Hauser, giving them frontcourt muscle and floor spacing. They do so by parting with only Dominick Barlow and a 2027 second-round pick, which is a relatively low price to pay for two reliable contributors.
The Bigger Picture:
While this proposal would help the Celtics shave payroll and improve roster flexibility — especially under the second apron’s constraints — it does mark a significant shift in identity, particularly if Holiday is traded away just one year after arriving in Boston.
For the Kings, the acquisition of Holiday signals an intent to win now, but it would require a gamble on the short-term. Holiday’s advancing age and offensive decline suggest a limited window, and sacrificing younger depth pieces like Monk and Ellis, along with a dependable big in Valančiūnas, could prove costly if results don’t come quickly.
Meanwhile, the Hawks would come away with perhaps the best value, bolstering their rotation with minimal sacrifice.
Regardless of whether this exact trade materializes, the Celtics’ offseason appears poised to involve major changes, and Holiday’s name will likely remain a fixture in trade speculation as Boston navigates a tight financial landscape.
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