The Celtics made their first big deal of the offseason on Monday night, trading away Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks. The two second-round picks are a 2030 Knicks selection and a 2031 Blazers pick, a source tells MassLive. ESPN was first to report the Holiday trade.
Holiday, 35, was a heavily rumored name on the trade block this summer as the Celtics looked to reduce historic luxury tax bill and get below the second apron while retooling their team for the future after Jayson Tatum went down with an Achilles tear. Holiday lands now with an up-and-coming Blazers squad that are looking to work their way into the playoff picture in the West amid a young core. The Blazers originally traded Holiday to Boston two years ago in exchange for Robert Williams, Malcolm Brogdon and two second-round picks.
Simons, 26, is entering the final year of his contract and is making $27.6 million for the 2025-26 season. Simons averaged 19.3 points and 4.8 assists per game last season
Boston also nets two second-round picks in the deal which adds to their draft assets heading into the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night. Boston reduces their salary for next season by $5 million with the deal, but are still $15 million above the second apron.