But to really shed some big bucks off the books, Stevens will have to trade either Jrue Holiday or Kristaps Porzingis -- or both. Dealing one should help Boston get under the second apron, and dealing both would get them under while allowing Stevens some wiggle room to build out the rest of the roster.

Some NBA executives reportedly believe the Boston Celtics will have to add a sweetener if they want to trade veteran guard Jrue Holiday during the offseason.

One of those contracts is Jrue Holiday's, who is about to finish the first year of a four-year, $134.4 million contract extension he signed with the Celtics last year. If the Celtics got out of his deal, it would help them significantly reduce their payroll.