The Boston Celtics might be in a position to trade for New Orleans Pelicans combo guard Jrue Holiday, per Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer.
O'Connor reports the Celtics are attempting to use their three first-round picks to move up in the 2020 NBA Draft and subsequently flip the higher pick in a package for Holiday:
The Celtics have offered up their three first-round picks (nos. 14, 26, and 30) in trades to try and move into the lottery, but multiple league sources say they intend to reroute that pick to the Pelicans in exchange for Jrue Holiday.
O'Connor notes the Celtics still would have to toss in some salaries in order for the deal to work, and that could include Gordon Hayward or Kemba Walker.
But there is no guaranteeing Hayward will exercise his player option for next season.
There has been a growing feeling Hayward might actually choose to opt out in favor of a long-term deal. However, that process could be complicated given the financial situation of the league.
It might make sense to include Hayward in the event he does in fact exercise the option. Dealing Kemba seems unlikely, despite the knee issues that plagued him throughout the past year.
Holiday would be an ideal fit in Boston, despite the Celtics' abundance of backcourt players. He defends at a very high level and could also fill Hayward's role as a secondary playmaker who also has the capacity to rebound.
The Celtics and Danny Ainge are unlikely to leverage all of their first-round picks unless they can assuredly flip for Holiday. A deal would take a lot of navigating, but Ainge has the pedigree to get something done.
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