Celtics fans would throw a riot if latest Jrue Holiday trade idea comes true

Jrue Holiday is owed $104.4 million through 2027-28. The final year of his deal is a $37.2 million player option for his age-37 season. He's on the Boston Celtics' books for $32.4 million for the 2025-26 campaign at age 35.

The two-time All-Star still believes Boston can contend for an NBA title next season.

"I think we still have a really, really great opportunity and a great window to be successful and win a championship again," said Holiday at exit interviews at the Auerbach Center. "I think the talent that we have on this team, not only on the court but the coaching staff, all the way up to [Celtics president of basketball operations] Brad [Stevens], has been amazing. The opportunity to win is now, and I still want to be a part of it."

However, that may speak more towards the most optimistic outlook for Jayson Tatum's return from his Achilles tear and the pride of a two-time champion who may one day get enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame.

The Celtics must operate pragmatically this offseason. It's hard to justify remaining over the second apron, knowing Tatum likely won't play next season. Even if he does, the team can't saddle him with unfair expectations upon his return to the lineup.

Due to being over the second apron for multiple years, Boston's roster-building restrictions include the inability to aggregate salaries in a trade. The franchise also can't access the taxpayer mid-level exception, which could've helped them remain afloat without Tatum.

The Celtics can only trade the 28th overall pick in this year's draft, plus one of their first-round selections in 2026 or 2027, and a 2030 pick swap. They've parted with their 2028 and 2029 first-round draft choices. They cannot trade their 2031 selection since their 2032 first-round pick is frozen.

A new suitor has interest in trading for Jrue Holiday

It's well-documented that Boston's most likely roster casualties as it tries to trade its way under the second apron are Kristaps Porzingis and Holiday.

The Sacramento Kings are interested in acquiring the latter, per Brett Seigel of ClutchPoints.

"New GM Scott Perry has made it clear his team needs a true point guard, and he was always a fan of Holiday when he worked with the New York Knicks," reports Seigel. "Perry wanted to explore the possibility of adding Holiday in New York before he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2020."

The most likely two-team trade scenario sending Holiday to Sacramento brings DeMar DeRozan and undrafted rookie Isaac Jones to Boston.

The former is under contract for $24.8 million next season and $25.7 million for the 2026-27 campaign. The six-time All-Star averaged 22.2 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in his first year with the Kings.

While DeRozan's scoring would bring welcome support to help Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Co. compete next season, his shot profile is the antithesis of what the organization prioritizes.

True, one can prove efficient enough from the mid-range to make a steady diet of that worthwhile, and DeRozan's a maestro from that area of the floor.

However, the Celtics are at the forefront of the modern game, taking more threes than any other team in the league. They trust their shooters, and the impact tilting the math in their favor has wholeheartedly.

DeRozan attempted 3.3 threes in the 2024-25 campaign. That represents the second-highest volume of his career. He converted them at a 32.8 percent clip. The 16-year veteran averages 1.7 tries from beyond the arc, with a success rate of 30 percent.

Boston would appreciate that accepting this proposal allows the team to trim $7.7 million from its payroll. However, the Celtics will likely find more palatable offers elsewhere, acquiring players that fit better in their system while still saving money.

If the Kings are to pull off a deal for Holiday, it likely requires finding a third partner to take DeRozan.