The Celtics pulled off a tremendous swap by not only getting off of **Jrue Holiday**‘s contract but also getting draft capital in return, John Hollinger of The Athletic opines.
Holiday has three years and $104.4MM left on his deal and it was fair to wonder whether the Celtics would have to attach a first-rounder or two to deal him. Instead, they’ll receive Anfernee Simons and two second-rounders from the Trail Blazers.
Boston could extend Simons’ deal — he’s got one year left on his contract, Hollinger notes. It’s also quite possible Simons could be flipped as Boston looks to continue shedding salary. The Celtics pulled off another agreed-upon swap on Tuesday, dealing Kristaps Porzingis to the Hawks in a three-team deal that will drop them under the second tax apron.
On the flip side, Hollinger believes this is a baffling move for Portland. The Blazers could have spent another year acquiring young talent and developing players. Instead, they’re trading one of their key sources of offense and handing the point guard duties to Scoot Henderson, who has struggled through his first two seasons.
Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian believes top executive Joe Cronin and coach Chauncy Billups are now in a must-win situation with an ownership change looming (Twitter link). The acquisition of Holiday could help the team reach the postseason and his long-term contract is irrelevant to the current regime, since Cronin and Billups might not survive an ownership change if the franchise endures another losing campaign.
According to Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report, the Trail Blazers don’t view themselves as a rebuilding team anymore, noting that making the postseason was a stated goal when Cronin and Billups received contract extensions.
Considering the team won 23 of its last 41 games, Highkin said that Holiday is the type of player that Billups has pined for since Damian Lillard was dealt. Holiday is not only a tough, defensive-minded guard but will provide much needed leadership in the locker room.
Highkin also points out that Cronin effectively picked Henderson over Lillard two years ago by drafting him with the No. 3 overall pick. He’s now choosing Henderson over Simons. Additionally, Holiday figures to be more willing to come off the bench behind Henderson than Simons would have been during his walk year.