The Boston Celtics are beginning to plan for the upcoming NBA season, which is expected to be more challenging than in recent years. They will likely be without Jayson Tatum for the entire campaign, a blow that could significantly weaken their chances of competing in the Eastern Conference. Given that scenario, the team might make a bold decision involving Jrue Holiday.
The Celtics had the third-highest payroll in the league this year, at over $195 million, trailing only the Phoenix Suns and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Projections for the 2025–26 season show that number increasing to more than $223 million—potentially the highest in the NBA. That’s why there’s speculation they may need to unload part of that amount.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the franchise’s plan is obviously to keep Tatum, but also stars like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, despite interest from other teams. However, that stance could change if a strong enough offer comes along.
Given that context, another player is now being considered as a potential departure. Holiday earns $32.4 million annually, with two more years on his contract and a player option for 2027–28. That makes him a logical option if the team decides to move on from a current roster member.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla
Where could Holiday land?
According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, Jrue Holiday’s next destination could be in the West: the Sacramento Kings are evaluating several point guard options to strengthen the team’s playmaking after De’Aaron Fox’s departure to the San Antonio Spurs in February.
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Holiday is reportedly on the Kings’ radar as a viable target—something that could align with Boston’s potential willingness to move him. Still, he’s not the only option: Washington Wizards’ Marcus Smart has also been mentioned, along with Malcolm Brogdon.
What do the Celtics lose without Holiday?
Since arriving in Boston from the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023, Jrue Holiday has been a consistent piece in head coach Joe Mazzulla’s game plan. Over the past two seasons, the guard has started every game he’s played, both in the regular season and the playoffs.
This year, Holiday averaged 30.6 minutes across 62 games, putting up 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. He maintained a key role in the postseason as well, starting all eight games against the Orlando Magic and the New York Knicks, with averages of 9.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.0 assists.
It’s clear that the potential departure of Jrue Holiday would present a challenge for Mazzulla as he plans next season’s roster. Part of the solution might involve giving a more prominent role to Payton Pritchard, who stood out this season as a key part of the rotation—so much so that he won the Sixth Man of the Year award.
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