The Celtics always wanted to keep Jrue Holiday around for more than just this season. It didn’t take long this season for Holiday to see Boston as a team he wanted to commit to for the long term.
A day after agreeing to a four-year, $135 million extension with the Celtics, Holiday mentioned on Thursday that it was a relief to have the deal settled as he gears up for a playoff push, hoping to win his second NBA championship ring.
“Once I knew I was coming here, being a part of this organization long-term is what I wanted,” Holiday told reporters. “Being here alongside players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and aiming for more banners and rings.”
The new deal means Holiday is giving up his $37.5 million player option for next season, a slight pay cut for him but providing the Celtics more flexibility to keep key players like Tatum and Derrick White. “It was a decision we both felt was best for me and the team,” Holiday said.
Celtics president Brad Stevens saw Holiday’s potential impact in Boston soon after he was traded from Milwaukee to Portland last offseason. Despite giving up valuable players and draft picks, Stevens believed Holiday’s addition would pay off.
“In addition to his accomplishments, Jrue is a great teammate and competitor. He lifts everyone around him,” Stevens said. “He’s willing to do whatever helps the team, with a toughness to take on any challenge.”
Although Holiday’s scoring has dropped this season to 12.5 points per game, he’s shooting a career-best 43.1% from 3-point range and grabbing a career-high 5.4 rebounds per game. He’s also been a reliable starter, playing all 68 games so far.
Holiday attributes his success in Boston to his adaptability on the court. “I just do what the team needs. Some days I score more, some days I focus on defense and steals—well, that’s pretty much every day,” he said. “I’m here to do whatever helps the team win.”
