Jrue Holiday eyes ‘multiple rings’ with Celtics after overtime originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
Jrue Holiday had options.
The 33-year-old guard had a player option for the 2024-25 season that he could have accepted to stay with the Boston Celtics for one more season before testing the free agent waters in 2025.
But Holiday apparently intended to remain in Boston long-term, and the feeling was mutual, as the Celtics secured the talented veteran a four-year contract extension worth $135 million Wednesday night, that takes you through the 2027-28 season.
Although Holiday officially became extension eligible on April 1, the question of whether he would be part of Boston’s plans beyond 2024 had been on the back burner since the team traded for him in late September. For Holiday, however, the picture was clearer.
“I thought it was pretty easy,” Holiday told reporters Thursday of his decision to sign a contract extension with the Celtics. “I think mutually we came to an agreement and felt like this was best not only for me but for the team. I just hope it works.”
Holiday is just three years away from winning an NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks, but the 15-year veteran believes he has the opportunity to win more championships – plural – with this Celtics group.
“I want to be here; I want to win a lot of rings,” Holiday said. “I’ve heard people say that here many times, so I’m ready for it.
“Ultimately, I’m glad we finished before the playoffs. If this had happened later, I would still be happy, I would still be trapped. Very, very happy and very blessed.”
Check out the video above to see Holiday’s full comments.
Holiday had to make significant individual sacrifices on a loaded Celtics team; his scoring average (12.5 points per game), assist average (4.9 per game) and shot volume (10.0 shot attempts per game) are down significantly from his 2022-23 campaign. He’s shooting a career-high 43.1 percent from 3-point range and making a significant impact on the defensive end to give the C’s exactly what they need.
The Celtics are in the enviable position of being an attractive destination for veterans looking to win championships, and it’s a testament to president of basketball operations Brad Stevens that he has created an environment where Holiday wants to be long-term.
