Could the Boston Celtics target a rising star via trade whose father once dominated the NBA alongside Michael Jordan?
If you haven’t noticed, Scotty Pippen Jr. has quickly developed into a legitimate NBA asset for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Pippen Jr. averaged 16.7 points, 7.4 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per 36 minutes for Memphis this past season, signaling that he could thrive in a bigger role. He averaged 21.3 minutes per game for the Grizz and was extremely durable in 2024-25, appearing in 79 games. He also shot an impressive 39.7 percent from three.
Pippen Jr. is undersized at six-foot-one, but the above numbers prove that he’s emerged as a valuable rotation piece in today’s NBA. At just 24 years old and set to make under $3 million in each of the next three seasons, Pippen Jr. is on an awesome bargain contract that Memphis would be foolish to part ways with.
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That didn’t stop The Ringer’s Bill Simmons from speculating that his beloved Celtics could pry Pippen Jr. away this summer. During a new episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast on Sunday, Simmons proposed the following trade to his guest, Ryen Russillo:
“(Jrue) Holiday to Memphis for John Konchar and Pippen,” Simmons said.
“They’re not gonna give you Pippen,” Russillo replied. “I think Pippen’s good.”
Russillo’s retort didn’t come as a surprise, given the above numbers on Pippen.
There’s also the notion that Holiday wouldn’t be a great fit on Memphis. At 34 and with a hefty contract, the two-time NBA champion would provide valuable experience, but he doesn’t align with Memphis’ timeline.
The Grizzlies, fresh off firing coach Taylor Jenkins, are likely prioritizing long-term growth over veteran acquisitions.
When it comes to Holiday, the Celtics might struggle to find a deal they are happy with, and Jrue might very well remain wearing green when the 2025-26 season tips off in October.
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