Celtics ditch 2x NBA All-Star in shocking trade idea

The Boston Celtics will likely look very different in 2025-2026.

It's no secret that the Celtics are in for some major changes this summer...after an early playoff exit against the New York Knicks, Jayson Tatum likely missing the entirety of next season, and the looming $500 million second apron bill waiting for new owner, Bill Chisholm, it's likely some big names have played their final games with the reigning NBA Champions.

Jrue Holiday's age and salary ($32.4 million due in 2025) and Kristaps Porzingis' injury riddled tenure with the Celtics in addition to his $30.7 million on the books for next season, it makes the pair the most obvious to be on the move this summer.

In a trade proposal from Bleacher Report's Dan Favale, the Celtics find a way to shed some salary while snagging two potential starters, while a third team enters the mix to help with the financials.

Boston Celtics Receive: Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington

Dallas Mavericks Receive: Jrue Holiday

Brooklyn Nets Receive: Dwight Powell, 2026 Second-Round Pick

The Celtics would be able to begin the process of getting under the second apron, as the deal would take almost $5 million off their books, while adding Gafford and Washington, both of whom would likely start with Jayson Tatum out of the picture for likely the entire season, Al Horford potentially retiring, and the looming trade of Kristaps Porzingis. The deal also comes with little to no risk for the Celtics, as Gafford and Washington will be on expiring deals in 2025, meaning if they don't work out in Boston, that's an additional nearly $30 million freed up, next summer.

On the Mavericks side of the deal, it buys Kyrie Irving time to be able to full recover from the torn ACL he suffered late last season. When Irving is back and healthy, Holiday would be a seamless fit next to him...and a defensive unit led by Holiday, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II is Nico Harrison's dream.