According to the Ringer, rival management thinks Jrue Holiday and Jaylen Brown may be too costly for Boston.
For the past three seasons, the Boston Celtics have been among the best teams in the league. They sit comfortably six games ahead of second place in the Eastern Conference this season. As long as their top-6 players are available, the guys in green should be regarded as the clear favorites to win the championship.
Why then are we discussing trades?
Howard Beck of The Ringer claims that several elite clubs may soon have to face the consequences of their salary caps. Next season, the new CBA will be completely implemented, and teams who make more than the second salary apron will face harsh penalties. In addition to the increased obstacles to team-building (such as the elimination of free agent exceptions and the prohibition on salary aggregation in trades), teams that fail to reach the apron three out of five years will have their future first-round picks locked (and eventually relocated to the end of the round).
This year and going forward, the Celtics anticipate being past that phase. Fortunately, there is a “bonus” season this year before those penalties apply.
But going forward, Brad Stevens, President of Basketball Operations, will need to strike a balance between potential championships and potential fines.
This year and going forward, the Celtics anticipate being past that phase. Fortunately, there is a “bonus” season this year before those penalties apply.
But going forward, Brad Stevens, President of Basketball Operations, will need to strike a balance between potential sanctions and championship hopes.
Even if they were to win the championship, it would be difficult to retain Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White forever, according to Beck. “Is it necessary to let go of a gifted role player like Holiday?”
Most likely, the answer to Beck’s query is “no.” Holiday is expected to earn $35 million this season, with a $37 million player option for the next one. The most likely scenario for that looming option is that he declines it in favor of a two- or three-season extension that would pay roughly $30 million annually. Boston would probably gladly pay that for their defensive main man. Additionally, that contract would be movable in the event that management decided to upgrade.
A few circumstances might cause that computation to vary. If Holiday has greater demands than that, he will almost certainly have to leave, either by choosing to enter the league without an extension plan, which would likely force Boston to look for a trade partner, or by declining his player option to become a free agency. So far, Holiday has only stated that he is fully committed to securing an extension. Cross your fingers.
