The Celtics officially said goodbye on Monday to Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday as a pair of trades involving the duo became official. Porzingis is heading to the Hawks as part of a three-team trade that brings Georges Niang back to Boston. Holiday is now a Blazer after a modified swap with Portland that lands Anfernee Simons in Boston. The Celtics were previously set to acquire two second-round picks as part of the trade but that compensation was adjusted due to concerns about Holiday’s medical reports.
Brad Stevens spoke about the impact of the duo in a team release announcing the deal on Monday.
“We are so thankful for KP and Jrue and the time we had together in Boston,” said Stevens. “They were great Celtics whose impact on our organization went well beyond the court. They were integral parts of two great teams, including one which brought us all a new banner. Their impact on this organization will last a long time, and we look forward to celebrating them when they return to the Garden this season.”
Simons and Niang are both on the roster for now, but the team is still considering tweaks to this year’s group per sources as they weigh reducing payroll and luxury tax penalties and potentially reset the harsh repeater tax conflict for the franchise.
“Anfernee is a really good young player who has continuously improved in his seven years in the NBA. Georges is no stranger to Boston and has continuously been a winning player over the course of his career. We are excited to add both of them to the team,” said Stevens.
Boston’s current roster stands at 15 players including non-guaranteed deals for JD Davison and Jordan Walsh. The team is also slightly above the second apron with their projected payroll and $21 million over the luxury tax line.
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