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[Saba Sports News] Jrue Holiday may be one step closer to suiting up for a new team.
According to veteran NBA writer Matt Moore via Substack, the Boston Celtics have set a clear asking price for the veteran guard: a first-round draft pick, along with any necessary salary-matching pieces in return.
Holiday, who turns 35 later this week, arrived in Boston in 2023 via a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers—shortly after Portland acquired him from Milwaukee in the Damian Lillard blockbuster. Since then, Holiday has had two solid seasons with the Celtics, including a key role as a starter on their 2024 NBA championship team. Known for his elite one-on-one defense and ability to create shots when needed, the two-time All-Star averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists this season in a more limited offensive role.
However, with the Celtics facing a potentially lost season due to Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury—and with an eye on reducing payroll—Holiday is among several Boston veterans reportedly on the trade block.
Concerns about Holiday’s age and durability linger, especially since he hasn’t played 70 games in a season for seven straight years. Still, the Celtics’ request for a first-round pick is seen as a reasonable price for a proven veteran with championship pedigree. Boston is expected to retain at least three of its core players, but changes are clearly on the horizon.