The Milwaukee Bucks sent shockwaves across the NBA with their blockbuster trade for Damian Lillard. Well, the Boston Celtics may have outdone their Eastern Conference rivals by securing the services of former Bucks star Jrue Holiday just days after Milwaukee’s landscape-shifting Dame acquisition.
Celtics Have Had Their Eye on Ex-Milwaukee Bucks Star
Holiday was presented to the media on Wednesday, and the event gave Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens a chance to talk about his team’s most recent addition. Apparently, this move was a long time coming:
“We’ve wanted him here for a long time,” Steven said (h/t Daniel Donabedian of ClutchPoints).
You also have to note that before he moved up as a high-ranking executive for the Celtics, Stevens served as the team’s head coach for several years. During that time, Stevens had more than a few first-hand experiences of having to play against Holiday. Stevens knows exactly what the two-time All-Star brings to the table, which is why they pounced at the opportunity to get him the moment he became available.
Brad Stevens Speaks Out on Jrue Holday’s Future
on the court sideline before game one of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against Boston at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Boston’s Holiday acquisition does not come without its inherent risk. The 33-year-old’s current deal extends through 2024, but the fact that he has a player option for next season makes him a flight risk for the Celtics.
For his part, however, Stevens has already hinted that the team wants to keep Holiday for the long haul:
“When the time comes and we’re allowed to talk about those types of things, you know, this is something that we hope can be a long-time relationship beyond these years of [Holiday’s] contract,” Stevens said. “But we have a few months to go before we get too deep into that stuff.”
According to reports, Holiday himself also said that the Celtics have already indicated their desire to sign him to an extension. There is clearly a mutual desire from both sides to get a deal done.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @PaoloSongcoNBA, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” You can also reach out to Paolo Songco via email at pao.songco@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.
