REPORT: Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday Boston Celtics Future In Jeopardy In Looming Apron Cap Hit 12 Jun 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) controls the ball against Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) and center Kristaps Porzingis (8) in the first quarter during game five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Mavericks Expected to Explore Bonkers Trade With Boston Celtics’ $104 Million Star, Per Insider

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated May 28, 2025 10:33 AM ET

The Dallas Mavericks could double down on their “defense wins championships” approach by acquiring one of the Boston Celtics’ key players this offseason via a trade.

According to renowned NBA insider Marc Stein , the Dallas Mavericks are “expected to at least explore whether there are any feasible trade pathways” to acquiring Jrue Holiday, who still has three years and $104 million left on his current contract.

Holiday would solve Dallas’ immediate concerns at the point guard position because the two-time NBA champion can fill in for the injured Kyrie Irving , who tore his ACL this year. His potential acquisition will also reunite him with former New Orleans Pelicans teammate Anthony Davis.

REPORT: Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday Boston Celtics Future In Jeopardy In Looming Apron Cap Hit 11 Jan 13, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) and center Kristaps Porzingis (8) and Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) battle for a rebound during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

The two-time NBA All-Star is coming off a down year with the Boston Celtics, only averaging 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals on 44.3 percent shooting from the field across 62 regular season appearances.

Dallas Mavericks Rumors: Boston Celtics reporter proposes interesting Jrue Holiday trade idea

So, who will the Dallas Mavericks part ways with in a potential Jrue Holiday trade? According to NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg, Dallas could send Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington to Boston in exchange for Holiday, though they’ll need a third team to absorb some money in the deal.

Dallas Mavericks Expected to Explore Bonkers Trade With Boston Celtics' $104 Million Star, Per Insider 3 Jun 9, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) shoots the ball against Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the second quarter in game two of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

“Boston could retain Gafford to stabilize an uncertain frontcourt, while a team with options to absorb salary (perhaps Brooklyn with its cap space or Atlanta with its large trade exceptions) might take on Washington and other filler in exchange for draft assets from both Dallas and Boston. The savings in money from Holiday to Gafford is roughly $18 million next season,” Forsberg explained in his column.

Forsberg described this scenario as a “win-win” for both sides. The Dallas Mavericks would have their ideal veteran, and the Boston Celtics would get some much-needed frontcourt depth in the wake of Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury and Kristaps Porzingis’ mysterious illness while saving money.