Celtics' Jrue Holiday Breaks Silence on NBA Future After Trade Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated May 17, 2025 2:38 PM ET

The Boston Celtics' 2024-25 season concluded with a disappointing exit from the playoffs, as they were eliminated by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The series was marred by a significant injury to star forward Jayson Tatum, who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in Game 4, sidelining him for the remainder of the series. Despite efforts from Jaylen Brown and other key players, the Celtics were unable to overcome the deficit, leading to their elimination.

In the aftermath of the season, attention has turned to the Celtics' roster and financial future. According to The Athletic's Jay King, the team is facing a projected payroll exceeding $500 million for the 2025-26 season, including luxury tax penalties.

This financial strain has prompted considerations of significant roster changes, with Jrue Holiday emerging as a potential trade candidate. King noted this in his latest report:

"Among many other factors for the Celtics to consider, Holiday will be at least 34 ... Though Holiday dealt with lingering injuries throughout the regular season, his reputation as a known winner and top defender should interest several contending teams if the Celtics do look to move him, according to league sources."

“I know Boston, it looks gloomy right now, obviously with JT being out and us kind of ending the year, but it’s a lot to look forward to. I want the city to feel excited about that. This is not the end, so I’m looking forward to what’s next.”

But what does come next? My story on…
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) May 17, 2025

After this report, Holiday addressed his future with the Celtics.

"Yeah, I think we still have a really, really great opportunity," he said. "And a great window to be successful and win a championship again. The opportunity to win is now, and I still want to be a part of that."

Jrue Holiday said he hopes to be back next season:

"Yeah, I think we still have a really, really great opportunity. And a great window to be successful and win a championship again."

"The opportunity to win is now, and I still want to be a part of that."
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) May 17, 2025

Holiday joined the Celtics in October 2023 via a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, who had acquired him days earlier from the Milwaukee Bucks. The move paid off as the Celtics went on to win their 18th NBA championship in his first season with the team. However, the 2024-25 season proved challenging for Holiday, as he battled with injuries, and was limited to just 11.1 points per game.

A seasoned veteran, Holiday's basketball resume includes two NBA championships (with the Bucks in 2021 and the Celtics in 2024), two All-Star selections, and multiple All-Defensive Team honors. His experience and defensive prowess make him an attractive option for teams seeking to enhance their backcourt.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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