One NBA analyst proposed that the Boston Celtics trade Jrue Holiday to the Orlando Magic this offseason.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report proposed that the Celtics trade Holiday to the Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Gary Harris, Cory Joseph and a 2027 first-round pick swap.
Boston has to break up its core this offseason to avoid a payroll of $500 million. The Celtics not only lost to the New York Knicks in this year’s conference semifinals in six games, but Jayson Tatum tore his right Achilles tendon in Game 4 and could miss all of next season.
“If the Celtics shop Holiday, it’ll be interesting to see what kind of trade value he has,” Bailey wrote. “He turns 35 in June, just averaged 11.1 points with a below-average three-point percentage this season and is set to make at least $32 million in each of the next three seasons. He isn’t likely to go for much of a haul, but the Magic are one team that could justify ponying up at least a pick swap.
“The idea of the Franz Wagner– and Paolo Banchero-led offense is cool, but this season demonstrated they could use a steady-handed floor general, and Holiday is still that. He’s not quite the defender he was in his prime, but he’d fit in with Orlando’s approach on that end, too.”
Holiday appeared in 62 games for the Celtics this season. He averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting 44.3% from the field, 35.3% from beyond the arc and 90.9% from the free-throw line.
A two-time champion, Holiday will make $32,400,000 next season. He turns 35 in June.
The Magic lost to the Celtics in the first round of this year’s playoffs in five games. They haven’t won a postseason series since 2010.
A UCLA product, Holiday has played for the Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, Milwaukee Bucks and Celtics. He has career averages of 15.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists.
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