Trade Breakdown:

Celtics get:

• Daniel Gafford

• P.J. Washington

Mavericks get:

• Jrue Holiday

• Pick No. 28

Nets get:

• Dwight Powell

• 2026 second-round pick (via MIN, NYK, NOP or POR)

• 2030 second-round pick (via PHI)

The salary that makes the most sense to move for the Celtics is Jrue Holiday and his $32.4M salary. Jrue Holiday has taken a step back this season and is averaging 11.1 points, his lowest since his rookie season. The Celtics should move Holiday while his value is highest and shouldn't risk keeping him, as his value may decrease over time and he may become a liability. Holiday, already 34, will not be a major contributor in the 2026-27 season, which Boston should be targeting to retool for when Jayson Tatum returns.

Meanwhile, the Mavs need a PG to keep the team afloat while Kyrie Irving recovers from a major injury, a torn ACL, of his own. Even though Holiday's offense has taken a steep drop-off, his perimeter defense as a guard is still elite and fits well in Nico Harrison's "defense wins championships" philosophy. The Mavs also acquire the 28th pick, which can be used to acquire a backup PG for Holiday, such as Labaron Philon or Ben Saraf.