The Boston Celtics are in a tough spot this offseason with Jayson Tatum‘s injury and a historic payroll. As a result, they are poised to make some big trades. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis are the most likely players to be traded. Given Porziņģis’ lack of availability and poor playoffs, his value is pretty low. Despite being 35 in June and having three years left on his four-year $134 million contract, many teams could be interested in Holiday. The two-time NBA champion is a proven winner and has the skill set to fit on any roster. Let’s dive into four teams that could pursue Holiday this summer.
5 Trade Destinations for Jrue Holiday
Dallas Mavericks
With Kyrie Irving‘s injury and Spencer Dinwiddie‘s pending free agency, the Dallas Mavericks desperately need another guard. Holiday gives them high-quality guard play while fitting into the team’s identity of defense and versatility. The Mavericks saw Holiday’s incredible impact up close in the 2024 Finals, which could intrigue them about the possibility of trading for him. From the Celtics’ perspective, landing Daniel Gafford or P.J. Washington could be the best player they get in a Holiday trade. Overall, from all sides, a Holiday-Mavericks trade would be logical.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat were in the mix for Holiday back in 2023, and they could be again two years later. Similar to the Mavericks, Miami lacks quality guard play. Additionally, Holiday’s defensive prowess and gritty play make him a perfect fit with “Heat culture.” Holiday’s elite defense, high-level spot-up up and connective playmaking could help the Heat take a lead in the East. Miami could dangle one of its bigger contracts in Duncan Robinson to make this trade work. Holiday would be an ideal fit on the Heat, and the Celtics could get back a solid return package from Miami.
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings have reported interest in Holiday. After trading De’Aaron Fox, they have a massive void at the point guard position. As the Kings attempt to remain competitive in the West, adding a winning player in Holiday would make sense. When looking at their roster, it would likely be a DeMar DeRozan-Holiday swap to make the deal possible. Alternatively, a three-team deal could be explored. Given their reported interest and clear need for a guard, the Kings are a team to watch in Holiday trade talks.
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are one of the few teams with cap space this summer. As a result, they could take on a bigger contract like Holiday’s. Surrounding Cade Cunningham with more defense, length, and shooting is logical. Holiday could be another crucial veteran presence on this young and upcoming Pistons squad. Furthermore, Dennis Schröder is a free agent this summer, and Holiday could fill a similar role. Schröder proved to be highly impactful next to Cade as an on-ball stopper, and Holiday could offer even more value in this role, especially considering his spot-up shooting. For the Celtics, targeting a team like the Pistons in a Holiday trade would be wise, since they have the cap space to make this deal more likely.
Los Angeles Clippers
Like Miami, the Los Angeles Clippers tried to trade for Holiday back in 2023. Holiday’s defense, versatility, and shooting make him an ideal fit with the Clippers. This skill set would specifically allow Holiday to fit nicely next to James Harden. Adding another ball handler and playmaker could be beneficial to the Clippers, especially considering Holiday’s championship experience. As an LA native, joining the Clippers would likely excite Holiday. It’s worth wondering if the Clippers are willing to add another pricey veteran. Regardless, Holiday’s basketball fit is clear, and he could help Los Angeles reach the next level. The Clippers have bigger salaries, including Bogdan Bogdanović to make this deal work. Ultimately, the Clippers are certainly worth monitoring for a Holiday trade.
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