Jrue Holiday has only been in Boston for four months, but he hopes to stay much longer. In an exclusive interview, Holiday expressed his desire to stay in Boston for the long term, stating that he hopes to sign an agreement with the team before the season finishes rather than leaving this summer. Holiday has a player option for the 2024–25 season.
“I’d like to be here,” Holiday told MassLive. “I feel like I’m getting more and more comfortable, loving the guys, loving the organization and loving the city.”
Technically, the Celtics cannot negotiate an extension with Holiday until six months after his trade to Boston, which would be in early April. Boston had agreed to a two-year agreement with their other high-profile offseason addition, Kristaps Porzingis, in July. Under the new NBA CBA, the Celtics can extend Holiday’s contract for up to four seasons. The timing of those negotiations would be immediately before a vital playoff run, but Holiday does not believe that would be a barrier to reaching an agreement before the summer. He is the lone member of the Celtics starting lineup who may become a free agent this offseason, but he may not even end up on the open market.
“My last extension was during the course of the year,” Holiday explained. “I think that we can do both, talk about it and as well as prepare for games and prepare for what the future is.”
Holiday is now earning $36.9 million this season, with a player option worth $39.4 million for the 2024-25 season. According to league sources, Holiday is expected to decline that option in order to sign a long-term contract. Holiday’s camp may simply decline that option to win a longer contract for the 33-year-old. A lower beginning contract for Holiday with more years added would benefit Boston as well for next season by reducing some of the team’s possible luxury tax fines.
Figuring out what Holiday’s worth on the open market could be difficult for both parties. Holiday’s scoring averages have dropped significantly in Boston (13.3 points per game), although this is mostly due to his reduced usage (lowest of his career) as part of Boston’s loaded starting lineup. Holiday has been willing to take a backseat to Boston’s other scorers, giving up some of his productivity while contributing more in other areas. On numerous instances, Holiday serves as a spot-up 3-point shooter, providing a release point for the team’s other playmakers. He’s hitting a career-high 42.5 percent from three points.
“I think everybody kind of knows we’re set and we’re set for a long period,” Holiday told reporters. “Regardless of what happens, you’ll mostly be with the same folks when you return here. Things happen, but I believe you lock into that, having that comfort and taking some of the weight off of you about what comes next.”
Holiday also discussed his family’s comfort level in the region following their relocation from Milwaukee only days before the season began as part of a surprise trade for Damian Lillard. Holiday, his wife Lauren, and their children have relocated to a Boston suburb for the season.
