Analysis: If the Celtics make major adjustments, Holiday s top 3 best trading goals rankings

The Celtics changed hands and trading Ju Holiday is of great significance to reducing costs and adjusting the offseason lineup.

The Boston Celtics may face many changes in the offseason after losing to the New York Knicks in the second round. Celtics guard Ju Holiday may be one of their core players in the offseason.

The Boston Celtics won the championship in 2024, but they could make major adjustments after being eliminated this season and Jason Tatum's Achilles tendon to tear them. Tatum was injured in the playoffs and could miss the entire 2025-26 season.

Celtics pay huge salaries for existing core players, including Tatum ($54.1 million), Jaylen Brown ($53.1 million), Ju Holiday ($32.4 million), Christapus Porzingis ($30.7 million), Derek White ($28.1 million) and Sam Hauser ($10 million).

The Boston Celtics replaced their boss and if Tatum can't recover, they're unlikely to pay a high salary for this core player. The offseason is destined to be very active for the Celtics as they will cut costs and restructure the roster. That being said, here are three of Ju Holiday’s best trading destinations if the Celtics make a big adjustment.

1. The Detroit Pistons pair Cad Cunningham with Holiday

Another team that may be interested in Holiday is the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons performed better than expected in the 2024-25 season, soaring from 14 wins and 68 losses in the 2023-24 season to 44 wins and 38 losses in the playoffs.

head coach J.B. Bickstaff performed well in his first season with the Pistons. Under Bickstaff's coaching and the addition of veterans in the lineup, the Pistons fought six hard against the New York Knicks in the first round.

Cad Cunningham's progress is crucial, averaging 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 9.1 assists and 1 steal per game. He shot 46.9% from the field and 35.6% from three-pointers. While Cunningham and the Pistons have been solid this season, they may need a ball handler.

Hallidy can fill this position while strengthening the team's defense. Holliday averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game. He shot 44.3% from the field and 35.3% from three.

Although these numbers are not eye-catching, the Celtics do not rely too much on Holiday on the offensive end. In teams like the Pistons, Holiday will have a higher usage rate and can play a greater role on the offensive end. The Detroit Pistons' contract with Tobias Harris ($26.6 million) is about to expire, and they can use the money to trade Holiday. The backcourt combination of Cunningham and Holiday may help the Pistons jump to a real contender in the East.

Although Holiday is no longer an All-Star player, he is still a good defensive player who can contribute to a competitive team. However, given his contract, it is unlikely that the Celtics will get anything from Holiday.

2. Holiday joined the Dallas Mavericks and strengthened their defense.

Mavericks have performed well in recent months. They first sent Luca Doncic away for Anthony Davis, and then won the draft lottery. The Dallas Mavericks will bring in Cooper Flager (unless the deal is completed), which will make them a competitive team.

Although the Mavericks have Davis and Flag, Kyrie Irving will be out for part of the 2025-26 season due to a torn ACL. The Dallas Mavericks are interested in adding a starting point guard while Irving is out, and Holliday will be an ideal candidate.

General Manager Nico Harrison made it clear that he valued defense, and that Holliday was a good defensive player. The 34-year-old was able to fit in the backcourt well after Irving returned. The Dallas Mavericks have enough contracts to make a deal, and Holliday fits well with their core player roster.

3. Holliday will join Taylor Sheero in the backcourt of the Miami Heat

Miami Heat is a team that has the potential to get Holliday. The Eastern Conference is currently weak, which gives the Heat a chance to reorganize the lineup and compete for the championship. Holliday will be the ideal partner for Taylor Herro, who is the team's offense engine, but its defense is not outstanding.

Heat's contracts with Terry Rozier ($26.6 million) and Duncan Robinson ($19.9 million) are about to expire, which can be used to make potential transactions. However, trading Holiday is a risk for Miami.

Holiday is an older guard with a salary of $32.4 million next season, $34.8 million in 2026 and $37.2 million in 2027. The money is really good for an older defender, but Pat Riley has proven that he can make a winning move.