Despite a disappointing playoff exit and swirling trade speculation, veteran guard Jrue Holiday made his intentions for the future clear: he wants to return to the Boston Celtics and make another run at a championship.
Speaking during his exit interview following the Celtics’ six-game second-round loss to the New York Knicks, Holiday emphasized that Boston still has the pieces to contend.
“We still have a really, really great opportunity and a great window to be successful and win a championship again. 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, has been amazing. So, the opportunity to win is now, and I still want to be a part of that.”
“It was a lost opportunity because we lost I think that we had the best team in the league.”
“Obviously, doing it last year. But the chemistry that we had, that we built from last season. Even coming into this postseason and how we were feeling. I feel like we are disappointed in ourselves. We felt like we let the organization down and the city down.”
“For me, offseason, having a little bit of a break, getting back right and preparing for next season is all that I can really do Who comes back, roster changes, things like that, it’s not really in my control. So I just focus on what I can.”
The Celtics entered the 2024–25 season as defending champions and posted a dominant 61-21 record, the third-best in the league. But their postseason fell apart quickly.
An illness limited Kristaps Porzingis, and Jayson Tatum’s devastating Achilles injury in Game 4 effectively ended their hopes of a deep run. They were blown out 119-81 in Game 6 at Madison Square Garden, ending their title defense and extending the NBA’s streak of no repeat champions to seven years.
Holiday, who will turn 35 next month, played a key role in Boston’s 2024 title run. Although his stats dipped this season to 11.1 points, 3.9 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game, his impact on defense remained elite.
He finished sixth in Defensive Player of the Year voting and was named to the All-Defensive Second Team. His leadership and playoff experience were also seen as vital in keeping Boston steady throughout the regular season.
However, his $32.4 million cap hit next season and two guaranteed years left on his deal have placed him at the center of trade speculation. The Celtics are projected to carry the most expensive payroll in NBA history next season, nearing half a billion dollars once luxury tax penalties are included.
That financial reality, combined with Tatum’s long-term injury, has prompted speculation that Boston could retool around younger or more flexible contracts.
The Athletic’s Jay King has identified Holiday and Porzingis as potential trade candidates. Porzingis, whose $30.7 million contract expires next year, may be easier to move. But Holiday, despite his declining offensive output, would draw serious interest from contenders seeking a veteran defensive presence in the backcourt.
Even so, Holiday is keeping his focus on preparation and not front office moves. Ultimately, Holiday’s desire to remain in Boston is grounded in unfinished business. He still sees a window to win.
Whether the Celtics’ front office feels the same amid salary cap challenges and a murky outlook without Tatum remains to be seen. But for now, Holiday wants to be part of whatever comes next.
