Nuggets Predicted to Land Celtics Star After Russell Westbrook News
Nuggets Predicted to Land Celtics Star After Russell Westbrook News originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Denver Nuggets came close to beating the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals, pushing them to seven games. If the Nuggets just had one more piece, they might re-stake their claim as the favorites in the Western Conference.
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The question will be who they could look to for help. They could turn to the Boston Celtics, a team whose main priority this offseason will be to get under the NBA's second tax apron.
A lot of players will be available to acquire from Boston's end on the condition that it saves them a fair amount of money. That's how a team like the Nuggets can swoop in and get another veteran to round out their rotation.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0)© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Last week it was announced by veteran point guard Russell Westbrook that he will be returning for an 18th NBA season. However, Westbrook did not reveal whether he will be exercising his player option with Denver or testing free agency.
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Just one week later, the Nuggets were linked to a different veteran guard. The latest odds from BetOnline named Denver as the favorite to land Jrue Holiday if the Celtics star is dealt. The Nuggets currently have the highest odds of landing Holiday in a trade at five to one.
They are not the overwhelming favorites, as the Sacramento Kings are right behind them with their odds of getting Holiday at 11 to two. However, the Nuggets are still ahead, and the offseason is not too far away.
With all that out there, it would be difficult to see how the Celtics and Nuggets could agree to a deal. The Nuggets would have to send out enough salaries to match Holiday's.
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A three-team deal could work, but it would hinge on teams taking someone like Michael Porter Jr. or multiple contracts to make it work. Holiday would be a significant addition for Denver, especially if Westbrook departs, but a trade would be difficult.
Related: Celtics' Unexpected Kristaps Porzingis Plan Amid Trade Rumors
Related: Celtics-Spurs Trade Report Surfaces Amid Jaylen Brown News
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
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