With the offseason in full swing for most of the league, trade rumors are heating up. One team expected to be heavily involved in the trade market this summer is the 2024 NBA champion Boston Celtics.
The Celtics are exploring ways to shed salary this offseason, particularly after Jayson Tatum tore his right Achilles in the team’s Eastern Conference semifinals loss to the Knicks. Boston is likely to seek out potential trades involving some of its key starters, including Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick White and Jrue Holiday. By moving these pieces, the Celtics could position themselves to get under the dreaded second apron — and get younger in the process.
According to Celtics writer Jack Anderson of SBNation.com, the Sacramento Kings have expressed interest in acquiring Holiday after trading De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs this past season. Anderson also questioned whether Boston would be tempted by the idea of bringing in six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan.
With Tatum expected to miss the majority of the 2025-26 campaign, DeRozan could serve as a short-term replacement for the superstar. He’s slated to make $24.8 million next season, which is a significant drop from Holiday’s $32.4 million salary. The teams could complete a one-for-one swap if the deal is finalized by July 1. This move would give Boston another scoring option while Tatum is sidelined.
Still, there are plenty of questions surrounding DeRozan’s fit in Boston. The Celtics led the league in three-pointers made last year but were less inclined to attempt mid-range shots — one of the veteran forward’s specialties.
While DeRozan is undoubtedly a talented player, he does not align with Boston’s apparent goal of getting younger this offseason, and his overall fit in Boston may be questionable.
