Why Dallas Mavericks Must Think Twice Before Trading for Jrue Holiday
Why Dallas Mavericks Must Think Twice Before Trading for Jrue Holiday originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Dallas Mavericks find themselves in an enviable yet challenging position this offseason. Fresh off drafting Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick and armed with championship aspirations, the front office faces a critical decision at the guard position with Kyrie Irving sidelined until 2026, recovering from a torn ACL.
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While recent reports have connected Dallas to Boston Celtics veteran Jrue Holiday, the Mavericks should think twice before pulling the trigger on what could be a costly trade that doesn't align with their current timeline or financial flexibility.
Holiday undoubtedly brings a championship pedigree and defensive versatility that would complement Dallas's core. At 35, he remains one of the league's premier perimeter defenders and has proven his worth as a finishing piece for title contenders, as evidenced by his championship runs with Milwaukee and Boston.
However, the cost of acquiring Holiday presents significant concerns for Dallas's long-term planning. With three years and $104 million remaining on his contract, including a hefty $37.2 million player option for 2027-28, Holiday's deal represents a massive financial commitment for a player entering his 17th NBA season.
More troubling for the Mavericks is what Boston would likely demand in return. The Celtics need to shed $20-25 million in salary just to get under the second apron, meaning they're motivated sellers. However, Holiday's proven playoff value ensures Boston won't simply give him away.
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Reports suggest Dallas would need to part with valuable pieces like P.J. Washington or Daniel Gafford, two players who were instrumental in last year's Finals run and offer more team-friendly contracts.
Rather than mortgage their future for an aging Holiday, the Mavericks should explore more cost-effective options that better align with their championship window and financial flexibility.
Collin Sexton emerges as an intriguing trade target from Utah. The 25-year-old guard averaged 18.7 points and 4.9 assists last season while shooting 48.8 percent from the field. Sexton's youth and offensive upside make him a more sustainable option alongside Irving's eventual return, and Utah's rebuilding timeline suggests he could be available for a reasonable price without sacrificing core rotation players.
The free agent market also offers compelling veteran options that wouldn't require Dallas to gut its frontcourt depth. Dennis Schröder brings playoff experience and proven leadership, having helped guide teams through difficult stretches when primary ball-handlers were unavailable. His championship experience with the Lakers and ability to manage an offense would provide stability during Irving's absence.
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Chris Paul, despite his age, represents another veteran presence who could mentor young players while providing steady point guard play. Paul's basketball IQ and ability to maximize teammates' potential could be invaluable for integrating Flagg into the rotation while maintaining championship expectations.
The Mavericks' championship window with Anthony Davis turning 33 and Irving 34 may be narrower than initially anticipated, but that doesn't mean Dallas should sacrifice future flexibility for a short-term fix. Washington and Gafford provide versatility and value on reasonable contracts, making them attractive trade assets if a better opportunity emerges mid-season.
With Flagg entering the fold and the team's young core still developing, maintaining depth and financial flexibility could prove more valuable than betting big on Holiday's aging curve. The rookie's immediate defensive impact should help offset some of the concerns about perimeter defense that make Holiday attractive.
While Holiday's championship pedigree is undeniable, the combination of his age, contract, and Boston's asking price makes this trade a risky proposition for Dallas. The Mavericks have built something special with their current core, and dismantling that foundation for a 35-year-old guard—no matter how talented—doesn't align with sustainable championship building.
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Instead, Dallas should pursue more affordable options like Sexton or veteran free agents who can bridge the gap until Irving returns without compromising the team's long-term flexibility. Sometimes the best trade is the one you don't make, and for the Mavericks, that wisdom might apply perfectly to the Jrue Holiday situation.
The championship window remains open in Dallas, but keeping it that way requires smart, measured decisions rather than desperate gambles. Holiday may help other teams, but for the Mavericks, better options await.
Related: Indiana Pacers Could Take a Page from 2011 Dallas Mavericks' Playbook in NBA Finals
Related: Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd Has Hall of Fame Comparison for Cooper Flagg
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
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