Report: Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday Boston Celtics Future In Jeopardy In Looming Apron Cap Hit

The Boston Celtics, fresh off a championship-winning campaign, may soon face the harsh reality of the NBA’s new financial restrictions. With Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday both commanding sizable salaries, the Celtics could be forced to consider moving their two stars to dodge the consequences of the league’s second apron rule.

According to NBA cap expert Keith Smith, Boston could be about $25 million over the second apron once they finalize their full 15-man roster. That number would limit their flexibility in trades, signings, and player development, essentially locking them into a rigid roster structure.

“The Celtics project to be about $22.7M over the second apron. But that’s for only 13 players. They’d need to add at least one more player to be in roster compliance. So, call it $25M over,” Smith posted on X (formerly Twitter).

“Any trade they make involving KP or Jrue Holiday is likely going to return some money. A straight salary-dump deal probably isn’t going to be a thing, nor should it be,” he added.

The second apron is a luxury tax penalty introduced to limit big-market teams from stacking superteams without consequence. If the Celtics cross that threshold, it could cost them future flexibility, including limitations on trades, sign-and-trades, and using mid-level exceptions.

Holiday is set to earn $30 million, and Porzingis is just behind him at $29 million this upcoming season. Both have proven invaluable during Boston’s title run, but those same price tags now put them at the center of offseason trade rumors.