DONE DEAL: Phoenix Suns Waste No Time, Land Celtics Star Jrue Holiday on 3-Year, $98 Million Deal After Westbrook Reveals Free Agency Plans
In a move that’s sending shockwaves across the NBA landscape, the Phoenix Suns have officially signed veteran guard Jrue Holiday to a three-year, $98 million deal, sources confirmed late Thursday evening. The deal, which comes just hours after Russell Westbrook publicly declared his intent to test free agency, positions the Suns as one of the top contenders in the Western Conference heading into the 2025-26 NBA season.
Holiday, 35, had just completed a successful campaign with the Boston Celtics, where he played a pivotal role in guiding the team deep into the playoffs. Known for his elite perimeter defense, high basketball IQ, and championship pedigree, Holiday brings a combination of leadership and two-way play that Phoenix has been seeking since their postseason collapse earlier this year.
According to league insiders, the Suns’ front office moved aggressively once Westbrook revealed his free agency plans earlier in the day, signaling a possible reshuffling of veteran point guards across the league. The Suns, unwilling to risk falling behind in the arms race, reached out to Holiday’s representatives almost immediately and hammered out the details of the deal within hours.
“This is a franchise-altering move,” said one league executive familiar with the negotiations. “Holiday gives Phoenix a stabilizing force in the backcourt, someone who can defend the league’s best guards while also making timely plays on offense.”
Holiday averaged 14.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game last season for Boston, earning All-Defensive honors for the sixth time in his career. More importantly, his unselfish playing style and ability to thrive alongside other stars make him an ideal fit alongside Suns’ core trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal.
Phoenix’s backcourt struggled with consistency and injuries throughout last season, often lacking a true floor general to settle the offense and bring defensive intensity. With Holiday in the fold, the Suns now boast one of the most experienced and balanced starting lineups in the league.
The move also effectively ends speculation about the Suns potentially pursuing Westbrook, who had been linked to Phoenix following his announcement. While Westbrook’s explosive athleticism and playmaking were seen as intriguing fits, the Suns opted for the steadier hand of Holiday, who comes with fewer risks and proven playoff performance.
“This is the type of signing championship teams make,” said former NBA coach and analyst Jeff Van Gundy. “Holiday’s impact doesn’t always show up in the box score, but he’s a winner. He locks in on defense, he makes smart decisions, and he’s not afraid of the big moments.”
Holiday is expected to be introduced in a formal press conference in Phoenix early next week. The team is also reportedly exploring additional moves to bolster their bench depth and size in the frontcourt.
As for Boston, the Celtics now face a tough challenge in retooling their guard rotation. Losing Holiday’s defense and leadership leaves a gap that won’t be easily filled.
With the Western Conference only getting tougher, Phoenix just sent a message: they’re not just aiming for a deep playoff run—they’re all in for a title.
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