Executive comments on Jrue Holiday's future with Boston Celtics beyond postseason
One Eastern Conference executive told Heavy's Sean Deveney that the Boston Celtics won't have a definitive answer on Jrue Holiday's future -- the 33-year-old has a player option but has been rumored to be willing to explore free agency -- until the postseason rolls around.
“I think you need to see how things look in the playoffs,” the executive prefaced before saying, “It’s risky because if they roll through to the Finals and win that easily, you’re under pressure to give him a big contract. But at the same time, you give Jrue Holiday a big deal now, and they flame out in the playoffs, lose in the second round, then where are you?”
One Western Conference executive tabbed the Orlando Magic and Holiday's first team in the NBA, the Philadelphia 76ers, as potential poach threats in the offseason. The anonymous source put Holiday's potential price tag at $90 million over three years.
“I think you get Holiday back at three years and $90 million,” the executive said. “The one thing that they have going for them is there is not going to be a huge free-agent market for Holiday out there. So, they’re probably negotiating mostly against themselves. Maybe the Sixers or Magic could get involved. But probably this is something that gets done just between Jrue and the Celtics.”
Derrick White and Jrue Holiday's Boston Celtics futures are tied together
With Holiday up for an extension this season if he opts out of his $37 million player option for the 2024-25 season and Derrick White due for an extension at the conclusion of said campaign, it's undeniable that the backcourt pair's futures in Boston, if there's going to be one for either, are intertwined.
Holiday getting the bag might mean White isn't getting one. Holiday not getting paid handsomely, and thus, skipping town, could be a sign the Celtics are putting their eggs in the White basket.
Not much is known right now, but Wyc Grousbeck will be backing up the brinks truck if Banner 18 is a reality in 2024.