The Milwaukee Bucks have not been the same since trading Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard. Lillard might be better than Holiday, but the latter’s defense has been sorely missed in Milwaukee. The trade looks even worse because Holiday has been integral to the Boston Celtics’ success over the last two seasons.
However, even though Holiday did his part to help the Celtics win the title, and may very well do so again, he might not be long for Boston. NBA Insider Jake Fischer reported on the Stein Line that the former Bucks star and champion could be on the move this offseason.
Because the Celtics are over the second tax apron, one team capologist told Fischer, “They’re going to have to trade some guys at some point.” Fischer added, “the two major salaries that league figures are monitoring in possible future trades: Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday.”
Holiday will make $32.4 million during the 2026 season. The Celtics getting him off their payroll would get them out of the NBA’s second tax apron and then some. The only problem is that not many teams will have the cap room to absorb that much salary, especially for someone who has two years left and will only get paid more as he approaches his mid-30s.
The former Buck, who played in Milwaukee from 2020 to 2023, helped the Bucks and Celtics win their respective titles. Teams might not get the same player the Bucks did then, but Holiday is still an incredibly useful player on teams trying to win.
The Bucks would certainly take him back if they had the chance, but unfortunately, it’s hard to work out how that would work.
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