Boston Celtics fans know that the franchise will have to make some major changes this summer due to the luxury tax implications facing the organization. Between new ownership, Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury, and aging veterans, there is no reason to carry a roster for the 2025-26 season that would cost in the ballpark of $500 million.
While one fan-favorite could be on his way out the door, it could very well lead to a former Celtics draft pick returning to Boston in what would be a well-received reunion. Yes, we are referring to former lottery pick Marcus Smart, as it is highly unlikely that the Washington Wizards will have much use for him this season after acquiring him at the trade deadline in February.
Celtics Bring Back Smart and Save Money in Projected Jrue Holiday Trade
The Celtics must move one of Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, or Jaylen Brown this summer. That seems like a definite scenario that will play out. Of the bunch, Holiday is the oldest and would seemingly fit in the least with the new timeline the franchise is likely on.
By sending Holiday to the Wizards, they would gain another two-way player in Smart, but another shooting threat from the perimeter in Bey. With the way Joe Mazzulla encourages this roster to let it fly from beyond the arc, the former Villanova Wildcats standout would be a perfect fit.
Moving Holiday would be a tough pill for Boston fans to swallow, given all he has done to help the team bring another Larry O'Brien Trophy to the franchise. The guard turned 35 years old in June, though, and is much closer to the end of his career than his prime. While that might be a fine scenario for a team going through a full rebuild like the Wizards, it simply doesn't sync with where the Celtics expect to be in the coming years.
Some sort of deal is on the horizon, and Celtics fans will wait with bated breath for that moment. Whoever Brad Stevens and the front office agree to move on from will completely reshape Boston's core. We'll have to wait and see what deal they choose to make and how that ultimately changes the depth chart.