The Boston Celtics have a lot to think about in the offseason. One of the main topics is their future with veteran star Jrue Holiday. The starting point guard had just entered the first year of his four-year, $134 million contract. However, the new salary restraints could prevent them from keeping Holiday moving forward.
The Celtics currently have $199.7 million in the salary cap for the 2025-26 season. A little more could lead them to move past the $207.8 million cap limit for the fourth straight season. That would lead to a bigger financial punishment.
Aside from that, the sudden Achilles injury that All-Star forward Jayson Tatum sustained in the playoffs against the New York Knicks could lead to significant changes. Without their best player, the Celtics might not be competitive for the time being.
On Friday, according to NBA insider Brian Robb, the Celtics could fix a deal involving Holiday. He mentioned the Los Angeles Clippers as the team that could potentially show interest in making a trade with the franchise.
“Holiday is expected to be pursued by several teams on the trade market, and a league source tells MassLive that the Los Angeles Clippers are one team expected to show interest in the 34-year-old guard this offseason,” Robb wrote.
“The Celtics outbid several teams, including the Clippers, per sources, for Holiday back in 2023 when the Blazers made the two-time All-Star available following the Damian Lillard blockbuster deal to the Bucks.”
Holiday finished his second season with the Celtics, averaging 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists. In the postseason, the two-time All-Star contributed 9.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and four assists. However, his efforts weren’t enough to keep Boston’s season alive and defend their title.
A young big man was named a “dream” target for the Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics’ frontcourt isn’t getting any younger. Veteran star Al Horford is 38 years old and will enter his 19th year in the NBA. Although he’s still productive, targeting a potential replacement could be one of the Celtics’ tasks this summer.
Even just having Kristaps Porzingis isn’t enough. The one-time All-Star has dealt with injuries over the past two years and it has been a problem for the Celtics.
According to Bleacher Report, acquiring a decent frontcourt player is the ideal move for Boston this offseason. The player they suggested was Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler.
Kessler is a capable defender and rim runner who could serve as the team’s new starting center. Last season, he appeared in 58 games, averaging 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks. The big man also led the NBA in offensive rebounds, with 4.6.
Kessler is still in his rookie contract and could be a productive player on both ends for the Boston Celtics.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
