The financial side: Jrue Holiday’s contract and Boston’s cap strategy

Part of the reason Jrue Holiday now finds himself in Portland had less to do with basketball and more to do with numbers. Holiday is set to make $32.4 million in the upcoming season and $104.4 million over the next three years.

The Boston Celtics, fresh off a 2024 championship, were under pressure to trim salary under the NBA’s new collective bargaining rules. Shedding Holiday’s contract helped the team remain flexible – especially with extensions looming for key stars.

Portland, on the other hand, had the cap space and motivation to acquire a player like Holiday, even if only temporarily.

Whether Holiday remains with the Blazers long-term remains to be seen. He could be a trade candidate at the deadline if Portland pivots to more youth development.

Alternatively, he could become an anchor for a team looking to return to playoff relevance.

But one thing is clear: wherever he goes, the former All-Star brings championship experience and an unshakable commitment to doing the right thing – on and off the court.