As Hardwood Houdini previously explored, if the Boston Celtics trade Jrue Holiday, the Sacramento Kings are not a good dance partner.
That could change if a third party is willing to acquire DeMar DeRozan. Still, there's the question of how much payroll Boston sheds in that scenario.
After all, the 18-time NBA champions would rather not part with Holiday. It's the consequences of spending multiple years over the second apron, plus Jayson Tatum's Achilles tear, that are forcing their hand.
DeRozan, who turns 36 in August, is on the books for $24.8 million for the 2025-26 season. That figure lends itself to looking elsewhere, aiming for more savings. He's also under contract for $25.7 million for the 2026-27 campaign.
While the six-time All-Star is a proficient mid-range scorer, that doesn't mesh with how the Celtics operate offensively. He'd bring added firepower, a welcome gift while Tatum rehabs.
However, a wing who isn't bringing much to the table as a three-point shooter, defender, and facilitator doesn't seem like a player palatable to the organization.
The Kings may also prefer to look elsewhere
In a radio appearance on SacTown Sports 1140, Sam Amick of The Athletic had this to say about the Kings' search to bolster their backcourt.
"I do have indications that they are looking at a lot," shared Amick. "I don't know how much they are going to overhaul the roster, but I think they are looking at big stuff and small stuff; the point guard pursuit is very real. I don't know where they will land on that front. It's kind of, 'If only Jrue Holiday was five years younger' type thing. I think that type of option has been considered and explored, but is imperfect because of his age."
On one hand, that's a reasonable stance. However, when looking at Sacramento's roster, it's a perplexing stance.
When the Kings traded De'Aaron Fox in February, they accepted a return devoid of young talent. Instead, they got Zach LaVine, who turned 30 about a month after the deal.
To their credit, they received draft capital that included three first-round picks. However, even that came with a dose of disappointment. The San Antonio Spurs had the Atlanta Hawks' unprotected opening-round selection in this year's draft. That was not a part of Sacramento's reward for taking on LaVine and not acquiring young players with appreciable upside.
That pick landed in the lottery. The Kings enter next week's draft without a first-round selection.
After reaching the play-in tournament this season, they could fully embrace a rebuild this offseason. That would be sensible in the loaded Western Conference. It would still add to the frustration of not getting more prized draft capital or promising players in exchange for Fox, the face of their franchise.
If they go in that direction, acquiring Holiday isn't a fit for them. However, if they decide to keep Domantas Sabonis and Lavine, and possibly DeRozan, then the concerns about Holiday's age don't mesh with the state of their roster.
The two-time All-Star is still an impactful two-way player. He averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals this season. He also converted on 35.3 percent of the 4.9 threes he hoisted.
But these deals take [at least] two to tango. Even if the Kings ramp up their pursuit of Holiday, they'd likely have to find a third team to satisfy the Celtics' incentive for trading him.