Former Celtic warns franchise about a decision it would prefer not to make

The Boston Celtics have spent multiple years over the second apron. The consequences for that will likely dictate dipping below that threshold this summer.

There are multiple ways the 2023-24 NBA champions can accomplish that. One of those paths stems from trading Jrue Holiday. The two-time All-Star is on the books for $32.4 million for the 2025-26 season. He has $104.4 million remaining on his contract. His deal lasts through the 2027-28 campaign.

Despite the financial incentive for Boston to move Holiday, a move the franchise would prefer not to make, former Celtics forward Marcus Morris expressed a caution likely shared by those within the organization.

"Jrue Holiday, I feel like Jrue still has a ton of years left in him," said Morris in a recent appearance on Yahoo! Sports' "Good Word With Goodwill." As he continued making his point, he told host Vincent Goodwill, "Wherever Jrue goes, he's still going to be able to help a team. The things he brings to the team is unmatched. Defensively, scoring, being able to guard multiple positions. I'm a little skeptical about the trading Jrue thing, but I know they just kind of want to open their books. They got a lot of money on the books."

Morris later expressed, "I'm a big fan of Jrue and the things that he can do. So, I would personally keep him unless I'm getting somebody that can be a glue, a do-it-all guy at an extremely high level like him."

The Celtics can keep Jrue Holiday and get under the second apron

The prudent move for Boston is getting below that threshold. There's a distinct possibility Jayson Tatum misses next season due to his Achilles tear. That lends itself to prioritizing gaining long-term flexibility over trying to contend for an NBA title without him.

Holiday is still an impactful two-way player. He averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals in the 2024-25 campaign. He knocked down 35.3 percent of the 4.9 threes he launched.

The six-time All-Defensive team selection remains a Swiss army knife at that end of the floor. He's capable of guarding up and down the lineup, quarterbacking the defense, and blowing up plays while roaming in a free safety-like role.

He's also a highly respected voice in the locker room and an individual who makes an impact in the community.

However, Holiday recently turned 35. As Morris noted, he's still a productive player. But there's a compelling case for the Celtics leveraging that in a trade rather than keeping him in what may be a gap year.

It's not a move Boston wants to make, but depending on the franchise's other options, it could be the responsible decision.