Aaron Holiday is headed overseas, but the door to the NBA isn’t shut.
The veteran guard has signed with Maxima Roma in Italy’s top league after entering the 2026 offseason as a free agent. Holiday spent the last three seasons with the Rockets, where he became the kind of dependable bench piece coaches trust without hesitation.
That was his calling card in Houston. Holiday started just five games across those three seasons, yet Ime Udoka still leaned on him when the Rockets needed steady ball handling, veteran poise, or someone who could step in after a stretch without meaningful minutes.
He was especially valuable early in his Rockets run, when injuries and lineup shuffling created more chances for him to play. His best year with the team came in 2023, when he averaged 16.3 minutes, 6.6 points, and 1.8 assists per game.
Holiday never became a high-volume scorer, but that was never the point. Across an eight-year NBA career, he built a reputation as a reliable guard, a solid 3-point shooter, and a strong locker-room presence. That kind of player is always useful, especially for contenders looking for stability off the bench.
The Rockets’ backcourt got crowded this season, though. With Fred VanVleet back, Marcus Smart added, and Reed Sheppard emerging, there simply wasn’t much room left for Holiday.
Now he’s taking the next step with Maxima Roma, where he’ll join former NBA player Xavier Moon, who signed earlier this month. Moon played a few seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers but spent most of his time with their G League team before landing in Italy.
Holiday’s move doesn’t necessarily mean the NBA chapter is closed. Several teams reportedly expressed interest in him this offseason, and his current contract includes an out clause that would allow him to return if the requirements are met. At 29, Holiday still has time to make another NBA stop, and his ability to fill whatever role a team needs could keep him in the league conversation.
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