The Los Angeles Clippers are expected to be among the trade suitors for Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday this summer, a source told MassLive's Brian Robb.
Holiday, 34, is reportedly expected to be targeted by several teams this offseason. The Celtics guard started 62 games in 2024-25, averaging 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game with shooting splits of 44.3/35.3/90.9. However, his impact is arguably greatest on defense; the Celtics' defensive rating was at its worst when Holiday was off the court (110.5 points per 100 possessions), and his 107.7 on-court mark was the second-best on Boston among players with at least 500 minutes.
Boston is likely to seriously consider dealing Holiday as the franchise stares down one of the highest tax bills for any team in NBA history. Due to changes introduced by the most recent CBA, the Celtics are on course to pay over $280 million in luxury taxes next season, a figure that doesn't include the $227 million already penciled in for player salaries.
Holiday is slated to earn $32.4 million in 2025-26, and Celtics star Jayson Tatum will miss a considerable portion of the season due to tearing his Achilles in these playoffs. Holiday is under contract through 2026-27 and holds a $37.2-million player option for 2027-28, making him an enticing option for contenders trying to supplement their rosters - and a simple solution for a Celtics front office that was reportedly considering significant changes even before Tatum's long-term injury.
For the Clippers, Holiday would add another experienced ball-handler and distributor to a club whose 25.2 assists per game last season ranked 23rd in the NBA. While he could start alongside James Harden in a similar role to that of Kris Dunn this year, Holiday could also offer the Clippers some insurance for Harden. The 35-year-old could elect to hit free agency if he turns down his $36.4-million player option for next season by the end of June.
