Celtics reportedly eyeing trade for Jrue Holiday

By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com

Last week, it was reported that the Celtics were trying to package their three first-round picks in the upcoming NBA Draft, in an effort to move up the draft order.

Sources: The Celtics have emerged as a potential destination for Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday. Boston could package its three firsts (14, 26, and 30) to move into the lottery and flip the pick to New Orleans. More details and rumors in my latest mock draft: https://t.co/MWGF6RSakS

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) November 12, 2020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1326946963816898560%7Ctwgr%5E&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.celticsblog.com%2F2020%2F11%2F12%2F21562674%2Freport-celtics-could-potentially-trade-for-jrue-holiday">The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor had a follow-up report on Thursday, saying the goal for Boston is to acquire a pick they can flip for former All-Star point guard, Jrue Holiday.

“Multiple league sources say [the Celtics] intend to reroute that pick to the Pelicans in exchange for Jrue Holiday,” O’Connor writes. “The Celtics are up to something big to try and bolster their title odds.” Currently, Boston owns the 14th, 26th, and 30th selection in next week’s NBA Draft.

If the Celtics were to make such a trade, they would need to include a contract to balance salaries. O’Connor notes Kemba Walker and Gordon Hayward would be the two most likely players to be added to the deal.

Involving Walker would see the Celtics swap starting point guards, adding a more defensive-minded player in Holiday to replace the offensive Walker. Given Walker’s ongoing knee issues, it could also be seen as a sign the team is looking for more durability.

Meanwhile, Hayward continues to be a rumored trade piece. He has a player option serving as the final year of his contract, and is rumored to want out of Boston. Earlier on Thursday, he was linked to another potential trade, involving Indiana Pacers’ center Myles Turner.

With the NBA Draft just six days away, expect the volume and depth of Celtics rumors to increase. Will they make a deal before Wednesday? Will Danny Ainge at the helm, you can’t count anything out.

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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].