Dallas Mavericks Eye Jrue Holiday to Support Anthony Davis Amid Kyrie Irving Injury
The Dallas Mavericks are actively seeking a reliable point guard after losing Kyrie Irving to a torn right ACL in March. With Irving sidelined until at least January 2026, the team is prioritizing reinforcements at the guard position, especially to ease the offensive burden on Anthony Davis.
Despite not having many draft picks, Dallas still holds several valuable trade assets. The ideal target is a two-way, defensively skilled guard who can eventually complement Irving when he returns. One of the standout names being considered is Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday.
Dallas and Boston have a history of trade dealings, which could smoothen negotiations. Moreover, Boston is reportedly planning to reduce its payroll, which could reach an unsustainable $500 million unless they part ways with some of their high-cost players. Holiday, who is 34 years old, and Kristaps Porzingis are two names on the chopping block.
The timing of the ownership sale coincides with Boston projected to have the largest payroll next year in NBA history.
The Celtics have $445M in projected salary/tax penalties in 2025-26.
That number could balloon to over $500M once the roster is filled out.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) March 20, 2025
Holiday has existing chemistry with Anthony Davis, having shared the backcourt with him during their time with the New Orleans Pelicans. This prior connection makes a potential reunion especially appealing for Dallas.
The Mavericks, who recently landed the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft despite having just a 1.8% chance, are widely expected to select top prospect Cooper Flagg. His addition to the frontcourt could make some of Dallas’ wings more expendable in trade talks.
Veteran sharpshooter Klay Thompson is considered the most likely trade piece, alongside Caleb Martin and Olivier-Maxence Prosper. In order to fit Holiday’s $32.4 million salary, Dallas would need to move Thompson’s $16.6 million contract and Martin’s $9.5 million deal, supplemented by minimum contracts like Prosper’s and Brandon Williams’.
The Mavericks will be pursuing a point guard this offseason, whether that be in the trade market or free agency, according to @ShamsCharania.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) May 14, 2025
A third team with available cap space would likely be required to facilitate the trade, as Boston is unlikely to take back a matching salary. One proposed trade structure includes:
Mavericks receive:
Jrue Holiday
Celtics receive:
Klay Thompson
Brandon Williams
Wizards receive:
Caleb Martin
Olivier-Maxence Prosper
2030 second-round pick (via Dallas through the 76ers)
This trade allows the Celtics to reduce their payroll by up to $13.4 million while acquiring a seasoned player like Thompson, who fits their system. Due to Holiday’s age and sizable contract, it’s unlikely that Boston would receive significant draft compensation in return.
For Washington, acquiring Martin adds defensive depth, and Prosper brings developmental upside. They could also potentially flip Martin in a separate trade. The Mavericks sweeten the deal with a future second-round pick to balance the salary dump portion of the arrangement.
This move could position Dallas as a stronger contender, bridging the gap until Irving returns and giving Anthony Davis the backcourt support he needs.