The Clippers, Mavericks, and Lakers are eyeing Jrue Holiday in potential trade talks as the Celtics consider moving the veteran guard who’s in the middle of a massive $134.4 million contract.
Holiday, who turns 35 next month, has emerged as a trade candidate as Boston looks to reshape its roster under the NBA’s tightening salary cap rules.
Brian Robb of Mass Live reported Wednesday that the Clippers are “expected to show interest” in Holiday this offseason. The California connection makes sense – Holiday was born in Chatsworth and played college ball at UCLA.
The Clippers could make the money work by packaging Bogdan Bogdanovic ($16 million) as the main salary piece. Bogdanovic put up decent numbers after joining L.A. mid-season, averaging 11.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 30 games.
They’d need to add center Drew Eubanks ($4.75 million) and another low-salary player to match Holiday’s hefty $32.4 million paycheck for next season.
This isn’t the first time the Clippers have chased Holiday. They were in the mix back in 2023 when Portland made him available after the Damian Lillard trade to Milwaukee.
Boston ultimately won that bidding war, sending Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams III, and two future first-round picks to land Holiday – a move that helped deliver their 18th championship.
Why the Clippers Make the Most Sense
The Clippers aren’t shy about taking on big contracts. They’re already paying James Harden $70 million over two years, while Kawhi Leonard is just starting a three-year deal worth nearly $150 million.
Of the three interested teams, the Clippers seem like the most logical landing spot.
Mavs and Lakers Face Uphill Battle
The Mavericks already have over $205 million committed for next season. That includes Cooper Flagg’s projected $13.8 million cap hold and assumes Kyrie Irving picks up his $43.9 million player option.
With Irving expected to miss a couple months with an ACL injury, a veteran like Holiday could help keep Dallas competitive. But the money might just not work.
NBA insider Marc Stein recently pointed out how difficult it would be for the Mavs to absorb the remaining three years and $104 million on Holiday’s contract.
The Lakers could be another option. Holiday reportedly had interest in playing for the purple and gold back in September 2023 after Portland traded Lillard.
A potential Lakers package might include rookie Dalton Knecht ($4.01 million) and Rui Hachimura ($18.25 million).
If the Clippers can’t make a deal happen, maybe the Lakers will find a way to bring the six-time All-Defensive guard across town.
