After a disappointing conclusion to the 2024-2025 NBA season, the Boston Celtics have some questions to figure out. The biggest question looming over them is the team's cap situation. With the penalties of the NBA's 2nd apron approaching, Jrue Holiday could be a cap casualty.
Holiday was brought to the Celtics in September 2023, right before the start of the season. He would play a pivotal role in the Celtics' winning the 2024 NBA championship, the team's 18th title. During the season, Holiday signed an extension worth $135 million over 4 years. With this contract and the trade restrictions the Celtics have, it may be challenging for them to move him.
While challenges exist, Holiday still could hold some value that teams want. He still can hold his own defensively and should bounce back offensively after a down season with an offseason of rest. Brian Robb over at Masslive proposed trades involving Holiday and this particular one could help the Celtics.
Celtics Look at Former Finals Opponent in Proposed Holiday Trade
In his proposed trade, Robb has Holiday and draft compensation going to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin, Jaden Hardy, and Oliver-Maxence Prosper. In this scenario, the Celtics would bolster the team's frontcourt depth, which is shaky currently as they return only Kristaps Porzingis, Neemias Queta, and Xavier Tillman, all of whom have their questions going into next season.
For the Mavs, they continue Nico Harrison's vision of defense winning championships by adding Holiday and picking up draft capital.
Why This Makes the Celtics Better
This trade would be a win for the Celtics as they add a big man to the team in Gafford, bring in a young forward and guard in Prosper and Hardy, and add Caleb Martin, who Celtic fans know pretty well. In the event of the Celtics not being able to bring back Luke Kornet, Gafford can fill his role and thrive in the Celtics' offense.
While losing the draft capital is risky, when Jayson Tatum returns from his torn Achilles, the Celtics should be ready to reclaim the NBA championship.