Jrue Holiday traded to Blazers, Celtics get Anfernee Simons!

The Boston Celtics have officially traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons and two second-round Draft picks. This transaction marks a turning point in the defending champions’ strategy as they look to restructure their roster following their early playoff exit.

A return to roots for Holiday, a new direction for Boston

For the second time in his career, Jrue Holiday heads to Portland. The Trail Blazers acted aggressively to acquire the veteran, whom they had initially obtained in the Damian Lillard trade in 2023 before immediately sending him to Boston for two first-round picks.

This transaction comes at a particular time for the Celtics. After Jayson Tatum‘s Achilles tendon injury during the loss against the Knicks in the second round of playoffs, the organization decided to reshape its roster. Holiday, despite his post-season statements where he expressed his desire to stay in Boston and believed that « we had the best team in the League, » was sacrificed in this restructuring.

Substantial savings and a new offensive profile

The financial aspect weighs heavily in this decision. The Celtics part ways with a player who was still owed $72 million over two years, while Simons enters his final contract year. According to ESPN, the franchise saves $40 million in luxury tax for next season.

Anfernee Simons brings a completely different profile to Boston. The 26-year-old guard averaged 19.3 points and 4.8 assists this season, with 36.3% shooting from 3-point range. His offensive explosiveness and ability to create his own shot represent exactly what the Celtics were looking for to compensate for Tatum‘s extended absence.

For Portland, Holiday brings his experience and defensive leadership to a promising group. At 35, the two-time NBA champion (2021 with Milwaukee, 2024 with Boston) remains effective with 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game this season. Discussions continue around other potential trades in Boston, with Kristaps Porzingis mentioned as the next candidate for departure.