Celtics Star Hints At Future Plans With Team

Jrue Holiday has only been a Boston Celtic since Oct. 1, but he seems to be comfortable with donning Celtic green for the foreseeable future. Speaking with Brian Robb of MassLive, Holiday recently expressed his interest in remaining in Boston:

"I’d like to be here. I feel like I’m getting more and more comfortable, loving the guys, loving the organization, and loving the city."

- Celtics Guard Jrue Holiday

Holiday was acquired by the Boston Celtics from the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 1 for Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams III, and two first-round picks (2024 via Golden State and 2029). The 15-year NBA vet never suited up for the Trail Blazers, having been acquired by Portland only a few days earlier as part of their return in a blockbuster trade that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Holiday, a former first-round draft choice, had thrived in Milwaukee, capturing an NBA title in 2021 while earning All-Star and All-Defensive Team recognitions.

Holiday has a player option on his contract for next season. If Holiday elected to exercise that player option, he would be due $37.3 million in 2024-25. Per NBA rules, teams aren't able to agree on an extension until six months after a trade. Based on that timeline, the Celtics and Holiday wouldn't be able to ink a deal until April 1.

Despite that timeline for any official execution of a deal, Holiday and Boston's front office could still have discussions in-season, something that the 33-year-old guard has also expressed openness to:

"My last extension was during the course of the year. I think that we can do both, talk about it and as well as prepare for games and prepare for what the future is."

- Holiday to Brian Robb of MassLive

In 42 games with Boston this season, Holiday is averaging 13.1 points per game and shooting 42 percent from deep. Known as a prominent two-way talent, Holiday has posted a defensive rating of 112.7, towards the league's top echelon of defensive performances.

Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston laid out the possibility that Holiday could be interested in a "hometown discount" to enhance the team's ability to fill out the rest of the roster to maximize their championship window:

"So he's got a $37 million player option for next season. And essentially, if he turns that down, he'd be looking for a longer-term extension. Give him some security, give up maybe some money next year in order to maximize the years further out. And we've seen guys do this, like Al Horford signing budget deals to allow you the flexibility to carry an expensive roster."

- Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston

Holiday has a renowned reputation as a consummate professional and teammate. He was awarded the NBA Sportsmanship Award in 2021 and has been named NBA Teammate of the Year on three separate occasions. The Celtics' front office is likely hoping that Holiday brings a teammate mentality to the bargaining table as well.

The Celtics are currently the favorites to win the 2024 NBA Championship with +310 odds on FanDuel Sportsbook. If you think they can pull it off, head over to FanDuel and don't forget to claim your $200 in bonus bets when you make a winning bet for $5.

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