By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Veteran defensive point guard and former NBA champion Jrue Holiday just finalized a four-year contract extension with the Boston Celtics confirmed last April 12, 2024.
After helping the Celtics clinch the best record in the NBA this 2023-2024 season, Boston’s front office didn’t think twice and signed Holiday to a $135 million deal extension which will take place next season.
“In addition to being one of the more accomplished players in the league, Jrue is an elite teammate and competitor,” said Brad Stevens, Celtics President of Basketball Operations.
Holiday was acquired by the Celtics when the Portland Trailblazers decided to let him go as a part of the three-team trade that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks last off-season free agency fever.
In exchange for Holiday, the Celtics sent Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams, a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2029 unprotected first-round pick.
Despite being a first-timer to the system deployed by head coach Joe Mazzulla to the Celtics, Holiday instantly showed he was the perfect fit alongside superstar stretch big man Kristaps Porzingis.
With his defensive rating and +/- efficiency whenever he is inside the playing court for the Celtics, Holiday remained one of the most tenacious perimeter guard defenders in today’s NBA.
In 69 games played in his debut season with the Celtics, Holiday is averaging solid numbers of 12.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per contest.
“He is simply a person who raises everyone’s level around him. He combines an unselfishness to do whatever is best for the team with an edge to take on any challenge at any time. We are grateful that Jrue is a Celtic,” added Stevens.
Holiday’s impact and playoff experience will immediately be put to the test as the Celtics will look to get past their NBA post-season hump as the no.1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
