Jrue Holiday has well and truly become part of the Celtics’ long-term plan after signing a four-year, $135 million extension with the franchise, which he hopes will lead to ‘multiple rings’.
Holiday became officially eligible for an extension on April 1 and after signing one on Wednesday, told reporters Thursday that it was a weight off his shoulders.
“Once I knew I was getting traded here, this is a part of what I wanted or what I envisioned,” Holiday said. “Being in a great organization. Being here for a lengthy amount of time and being able to play alongside people like [Jayson Tatum] and [Jaylen Brown], and really try to get more banners and get more rings.”
When Holiday was traded to the C’s last September, there were questions around whether he would be a vital part of the team moving forward.
He and the franchise clearly think that he is, and he explained that his decision to sign long-term wasn’t a difficult one.
“I thought it was pretty easy,” Holiday said. “I think, mutually, we kind of came to an agreement and felt like this was what was best for not only me, but for the team. Just hope it works.”
The guard won with the Bucks in 2021 and believes his next ring will be with the team he’s got now.
“I want to be here; I want to win multiple rings,” Holiday said. “I heard people say that here for plenty of times, so I’m ready for that.
“At the end of the day, I am glad that we got it done before the playoffs. If it would’ve happened after, I still would’ve been happy, I still would’ve been locked in. Just really, really happy and really blessed.”
The Celtics are certainly primed for the postseason, and will finish the regular season at least 12 games clear of the rest of the Eastern Conference.