NBA Rumors: New Team Linked To Celtics’ Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday’s name continues to circulate in offseason rumors, and a new suitor has emerged out West.

The Sacramento Kings are reportedly interested in trading for the veteran Boston Celtics guard. But to this point, Boston has received stronger offers from other teams, according to ESPN 1320 Sacramento’s James Ham.

What those deals look like remains unknown, but the Celtics aren’t in a rush to dump Holiday’s salary. Boston’s front office believes it can “bring positive value back” in a potential deal, as Conor Roche of Boston.com noted.

The Celtics’ cap situation has added urgency to the speculation. Boston sits nearly $20 million above the second luxury tax apron, bringing its projected 2025 payroll to $464 million once penalties are factored in. That restricts their flexibility and has sparked talk that Holiday—owed $67.2 million over the next two seasons—could be the odd man out.

A straight-up trade with Sacramento involving DeMar DeRozan is one option that checks out under league rules. The 35-year-old averaged 22.2 points and shot 47.7 percent from the field last season, and his $24.7 million salary for 2025-26 would trim about $7.7 million off Boston’s books.

If the Celtics prioritize youth or assets over financial relief, Sacramento has pieces to dangle. Sixth Man of the Year runner-up Malik Monk offers scoring punch while Keegan Murray and Keon Ellis represent younger upside—though prying either loose could prove difficult. The Kings don’t own a 2025 first-rounder but hold a surplus of future picks.

Holiday’s role diminished offensively in his second season with the Celtics, averaging 11.1 points and 3.9 assists per game—both career lows since his rookie year—but his defense and playoff poise remain valued traits.