The Boston Celtics will not repeat as NBA champions after they lost in six games to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
As the Celtics enter the offseason, they have many questions to answer about their roster and title window, especially with All-Star Jayson Tatum tearing his Achilles in Game 4. The prevailing thought heading into the playoffs was that, given how expensive their roster will become, point guard Jrue Holiday or big man Kristaps Porzingis could be moved in the offseason.
The veteran point guard just wrapped up his second season with the Celtics, where he posted 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists (second-lowest in his career) in 30.6 minutes per game (62 games).
According to Jay King of The Athletic, Holiday said he wants to stay and mentioned that the C’s title window is still open. He also highlighted that Boston has talent on the roster, coaching staff, and in the front office.
Holiday still has three years on his massive four-year, $134 million extension, which he signed last season. Despite his age and production, the veteran point guard wants to return to Boston for another season.
While Celtics fans would love to see Holiday stick around for another year, it might be best for the team to part ways right now. Holiday’s cap hit will get more expensive the longer he stays in Boston.
Heading into next season, the veteran point guard has a $32.4 million cap hit, followed by a $34.8 million cap hit in 2026-27 and a $37.2 million cap hit in 2027-28, which is a player option.
Holiday is still one of the better defensive point guards, which was evident in the regular season (113 DRtg) and postseason (112 DRtg). However, at his price tag, the Celtics could move him in the offseason for a younger piece that can improve the team after a disappointing showing in the playoffs.