This is Jrue Holiday’s least productive season thus far in his rookie campaign with the Boston Celtics, according to statistics. Since he was a rookie, his average has not been this low (12.6 points). Though he will shortly turn 34, anyone who has watched the Celtics this season will attest that he is not slowing down in the slightest.
Since being traded to Boston, Holiday has shot 43.3% from three-point range and 47.9% from the field this season, demonstrating his exceptional efficiency. In addition to averaging a career-high 5.5 rebounds and 4.9 assists, he has proven to be an incredible player who can provide the Celtics with exactly what they need when it most.
The two stars of the Celtics are Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. The greatest available third alternative is Kristaps Porzingis. Holiday has voluntarily contributed to Derrick White’s success. He has had to make sacrifices in order for all of that to occur, and he plays a significant role in the team’s 60 wins and comfortable hold of the top seed in the NBA this season.
The only problem is, though: Given his advanced age and decreased output, what do you pay a guy like Holiday? The Celtics are currently attempting to ascertain that. As it happens, it might not be all that different from what he is already receiving.
Celtics Will See How the Playoffs Proceed
NBA execs who were tasked with speculating on what Holiday’s contract would entail said as much. It’s challenging because Holiday is in a unique circumstance. Even though he and his representatives can begin contract negotiations with the Celtics right away, there may be some hesitation to go too quickly in the direction of a new contract.
One general manager in the Eastern Conference told Heavy Sports, “I think you need to see how things look in the playoffs.” “It’s risky because you’re under pressure to give him a big contract if they win that easily and make it to the Finals.”
Naturally, everyone agrees that Holiday won’t receive the maximum amount possible, which would be a deal starting at $51 million. At his age, he will not receive the maximum amount of years either.
The general manager stated, “The team is going to try for two years, he is going to want four.” Perhaps three with a mutual option can find a medium ground. However, that will be a major issue of disagreement.
Holiday Jrue In search of $100 million?
In terms of money, Holiday is anticipated to choose not to play out the final year of his current contract, which is worth $39 million. Although it is quite improbable that he will surpass that amount annually, there is a sense that he might get close.
With Derrick White due to sign a new contract and Jayson Tatum due to receive a mega-extension that will begin in two years, the Celtics will have some significant financial obligations to manage. Unless they opt to completely overhaul the roster, they will be a second-apron squad and will be subject to the sanctions that entail.
“I believe you can get Holiday back at three years and $90 million,” stated an executive from the Western Conference. “The one advantage they possess is that there won’t be a huge free-agent market available for Holiday. Thus, it is likely that they are negotiating mostly with each other. Perhaps Magic or the Sixers could get involved. However, it’s likely that this is something that only happens between Jrue and the Celtic
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