In a move to solidify their roster and championship aspirations, the Boston Celtics have reportedly inked star guard Jrue Holiday to a lucrative four-year, $135 million contract extension. The news was first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, citing Holiday’s agent, Jason Glushon.
Holiday, who had a $37.4 million player option for the upcoming season, opted to forego this option for a reduced $35 million salary. This decision allows him to commit to the Celtics through the 2027–2028 season, showcasing his dedication to the team.
For the Celtics, this extension not only secures Holiday’s presence but also improves their chances of retaining their core players, crucial for their pursuit of an NBA title. Additionally, the move is expected to yield substantial savings in salary cap space for the upcoming seasons.
Jrue Holiday Has Incredible Stats for the Boston Celtics
The Celtics acquired Holiday from the Portland Trail Blazers on October 1 in exchange for veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon and center Robert Williams III. This trade bolstered Boston’s lineup, adding Holiday as a key component to their roster.
In his first season with the Celtics, Holiday has seen a slight decline in his traditional statistics. Averaging 12.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, according to the NBA website, Holiday has embraced a different role as the team’s primary point guard.
Despite the dip in scoring, he remains a tenacious defender, fitting seamlessly into the Celtics’ defensive scheme, and maintains a reliable three-point shooting ability.
Holiday’s experience and ball-handling skills have been invaluable for the Celtics, who have long sought a suitable complement to stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. At 33 years old, Holiday’s new contract will take him through his 37th season, a testament to his enduring playing style.
Renowned as one of the NBA’s top perimeter defenders, Holiday currently ranks eighth in the league in three-point efficiency, averaging 4.7 attempts per game with a career-best 43.1% shooting percentage. His all-around contributions make him a vital asset as the Celtics continue their quest for championship glory.