The Trade: Dallas Mavericks acquire Jrue Holiday from the Boston Celtics for PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, Olivier Maxence-Prosper and a 2029 first-round pick (protected 1-14; via LAL)
It’s hard to know how the Boston Celtics will approach a 2025-26 season without Jayson Tatum, who’ll likely miss the year while recovering from his ruptured Achilles. Even if they’d gone on to repeat as champs, the Celtics would have had to think hard about reducing their expenses. As is, they project to owe as much as $500 million in payroll and luxury tax penalties next year.
This deal allows Boston to stay competitive by adding two rotation pieces in Washington and Gafford, the latter of which could replace free agent Al Horford. Though it only saves the team a small amount in 2025-26, we should assume Boston will also pursue cost-cutting moves involving Kristaps Porzingis and possibly even Jaylen Brown.
The real savings would come in 2026-27, when Washington, Gafford and Maxence-Prosper all come off the books.
Dallas would add a veteran guard to take the injured Kyrie Irving’s spot in the starting lineup—one who’d fit the team’s defense-first and win-now principles. A closing group that includes Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, Holiday and wing Max Christie would be overwhelming on defense.
The Mavs take on real risk with Holiday, who slipped on both ends in his age-34 season. But this team seems committed to chasing success during Davis’ prime, which may only last another year or two anyway. Might as well load up on vets, chase wins now and trust Flagg to be the bridge to the next generation.
