NBA Trade Rumors: Celtics’ Jrue holiday Could Land with Mavericks to Bolster Championship Push
Boston, MA & Dallas, TX – Teh NBA trade market is heating up ahead of next weekS draft, with potential blockbuster deals looming. A key name surfacing in trade discussions is Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday, who could be a target for the Dallas Mavericks [[1]].
Celtics’ Salary Concerns Drive Potential Move:
The Celtics are looking to reduce their payroll, possibly needing to shed $20-25 million to get under the second apron and avoid luxury tax penalties. Trading a starter, potentially Holiday, is seen as unavoidable [[1]]. Despite being a top defender, Holiday recently turned 35, and the Celtics are preparing for Jayson Tatum’s return from an Achilles tendon rupture.
Mavericks Seek Championship Contender Status:
The Mavericks, fresh off an NBA Finals appearance and securing the No. 1 pick in the draft (cooper Flagg), are in “championship or bust” mode [[1]]. With Kyrie Irving recovering from a torn ACL (expected return in 2026) and limited point guard depth, Dallas needs a reliable ball-handler and defensive presence. Holiday fits this profile perfectly.
Why Holiday Makes sense for Dallas:
Proven Winner: holiday has a championship pedigree, having been a key piece for both the Milwaukee Bucks (2021) and the Celtics (2024) [[1]].
Defensive Versatility: even at 35, Holiday remains a highly versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions, potentially forming a formidable defensive trio with Anthony Davis and rookie Cooper Flagg [[1]]. Flagg is already being touted as a potential defensive game-changer
