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Celtics Consider Trading Porzingis and Holiday as New CBA Rules Hit Payroll

New luxury tax thresholds triggered moves to offload high-salary talent following a disappointing playoff exit.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 07: Jrue Holiday #4 of the Boston Celtics celebrates during the third quarter against the New York Knicks in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on May 07, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Kristaps Porzingis #8 of the Boston Celtics reacts after a missed shot in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 12, 2025 in New York City.
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Overview

  • Under the new collective bargaining agreement, Boston must cut payroll to remain below the second luxury tax apron for 2025-26.
  • A proposed deal floated by team strategists would send Kristaps Porzingis to the Lakers in exchange for Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber and Shake Milton.
  • Jrue Holiday’s contract, which carries roughly $104 million over the next three seasons, has drawn interest from the Clippers and Mavericks and positions him as a leading trade candidate.
  • Pressure mounts on the front office after assistant GM Austin Ainge departed for the Utah Jazz and Jayson Tatum suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture.
  • With Al Horford entering unrestricted free agency and Jaylen Brown signed to a $300 million deal, Boston faces tough choices as it aims to rebuild under salary constraints.