The Boston Celtics' front office is attempting to consolidate some of its considerable stock in the upcoming 2020 draft to trade for New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday, sources told The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor.
Boston possesses three first-round picks in the Nov. 18 draft: No. 14, 26, and 30. The team is reportedly trying to bundle those selections for another lottery pick to improve its offer for Holiday.
Holiday, a one-time All-Star and two-time All-Defensive team selection, has earned a reputation as a strong two-way contributor and locker room presence through 11 NBA seasons.
In 2019-20, he averaged 19.1 points, 6.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per contest while shooting 35.3% from beyond the arc. Holiday was often tasked with matching up against the opposing backcourt's top scoring threats.
The 30-year-old is owed $26.3 million in 2020-21 - plus a $27.2-million player option for the following season. With the Pelicans undergoing a rebuild, Holiday doesn't quite fit with the team, which is set to feature 2020 All-Star and Most Improved Player Brandon Ingram and second-year phenom Zion Williamson among other young players.
Meanwhile, the Celtics are looking to break through after falling short in the Eastern Conference finals during two of the past three postseasons.
