Celtics’ Jrue Holiday Sends Clear Message Amid Trade Rumors

Boston Celtics veteran guard Jrue Holiday made it clear that he wants to return amid trade rumors surrounding him and the team following their second-round exit.

“I think we still have a really, really great opportunity and a great window to be successful and win a championship again,” Holiday told reporters after the Celtics’ bid to repeat ended Friday in New York with a humiliating 119-81 loss. “I think the talent that we have on this team, not only on the court, but the coaching staff, all the way up to Brad [Stevens], has been amazing. So, yeah, the opportunity to win is now, and I still want to be a part of that.”

Holiday had a disappointing performance in Game 6 against the New York Knicks. He shot 1-for-8 from the field and finished with only four points, four rebounds and three assists against two turnovers in 30 minutes.

Jrue Holiday Expected to Draw Trade Interest

The 34-year-old point guard who has won two championships — one in Boston last year and with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 — should interest several contending teams if the Celtics do look to move him, Jay King of The Athletic reported.

“Welcome to the life of a professional athlete,” Holiday said of his uncertain future in Boston. “Sometimes you just have to do it, and other people do it in different ways. Again, I think the things that I can control, I do my best to control, but other than that, I try my best not to worry about it.

“So, for me, this offseason, having a little bit of a break, getting back right, and preparing for next season is all that I could really do. Who comes back, roster change, and things like that, it’s not really in my control. So, I just focus on what I can.”