Jrue Holiday is reportedly drawing trade interest from several contenders
Holiday's defensive prowess and leadership skills could make him an intriguing piece for certain teams.
As the Celtics weigh their options for re-tooling the roster and getting under the second apron, several playoff contenders are interested in trading for Jrue Holiday according to Jay King of The Athletic.
The 6-foot-4-inch, 205-pound guard is widely considered one of the best and most versatile defenders in the league.
Holiday is a three-time All-Defensive first-team selection. a three-time All-Defensive second-team selection, and has won championships with two different franchises.
He’s also a three-time winner of the NBA’s Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year award, a sign of the respect he commands in the locker room.
Holiday’s skill-set helped put the Celtics over the top during their title run last year. There are concerns about his age, as he turns 35 in June. He also missed three games during the first round of the playoffs against the Magic with a hamstring strain before returning against the Knicks.
“Though Holiday dealt with lingering injuries throughout the regular season, his reputation as a known winner and top defender should interest several contending teams if the Celtics do look to move him, according to league sources.”
The Celtics, who are projected to be around $20 million over the second apron next season, may have to move one of their starters to avoid the harsh penalties associated with their apron status.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Celtics would be “more apt” to trade Holiday than Derrick White this summer.
White is younger, cheaper, and a more prolific scorer than Holiday at this stage in his career. Together, they form one of the best dynamic backcourts in the league. But, the financial realities of the Celtics’ situation may force them to look at scenarios they’d rather not entertain.
Actually pulling off a Holiday trade could be more difficult than it sounds, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer. The Celtics would likely have to incentivize a team to take on Holiday’s contract.
He has three years and more than $100 million left on the extension he signed with the Celtics last April. The combination of his age and salary may prompt teams to ask for draft picks as compensation for taking on Holiday’s contract.
Cap space is scarce across the league at the moment, with one only team (Brooklyn) projected to be more $30 million under the cap heading into next season.
Holiday said during his Celtics exit interview last week that he hopes he can stay with the team.
“We still have a really, really great opportunity and a great window to be successful and win a championship again,” Holiday said. “I think the talent that we have on this team, not only on the court, but the coaching staff, all the way up to Brad [Stevens] has been amazing. The opportunity to win is now and I still want to be a part of that.”
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