The Boston Celtics have reportedly sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons and a pair of second-round draft selections.
This marks Portland`s swift move to bring Holiday back, a player they initially acquired from the Milwaukee Bucks as part of the 2023 Damian Lillard trade before subsequently dealing him to Boston.
Simons arrives in Boston on an expiring contract. In contrast, Holiday`s current deal extends through the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons, with approximately $72 million still owed. This transaction is estimated to save Boston a significant amount, around $40 million, in luxury tax expenses for the upcoming season.
Portland gets Holiday back, two years after sending him to Boston in a trade that involved Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams III, a 2024 first-round pick (which turned into Bub Carrington), and a 2029 first-round pick. The initial package received by Portland for Damian Lillard included Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, one first-round pick, and two future first-round pick swaps.
This trade is seen as the start of potentially significant roster changes for the Celtics this offseason, particularly as they adjust following Jayson Tatum`s right Achilles injury sustained during the second round of the recent playoffs. Reports indicate the team is still involved in discussions regarding trading several other core players.
During the 2023-24 season, Holiday was recognized for his defense with All-Defensive team honors and achieved a career-best 42.9% accuracy from beyond the arc. He was instrumental in his former team`s championship victory that season, contributing an average of 13.2 points with impressive 50% field goal, 40% three-point, and 90% free throw shooting splits.
Entering his 17th NBA season, Holiday provides valuable championship experience to the youthful core of the Trail Blazers. His presence is also expected to boost Portland`s defensive capabilities. Data suggests that from a certain point in the recent season onwards, the Trail Blazers showed significant defensive improvement, ranking among the top teams in defensive efficiency and limiting opponents` effective field goal percentage in transition.
With Simons, the Celtics acquire a 26-year-old guard known for his scoring and proficiency from long range. His tendency to attempt a high volume of three-pointers, averaging close to nine per game over the last three seasons, aligns well with coach Joe Mazzulla`s offensive system which emphasizes three-point shooting.
