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NBA experts discussed the Celtics offseason following the Jrue Holiday trade
The Blazers said Monday that their deal with the Celtics for Jr. Holiday was finalized.
In the June 23 report, it was stated that the Celtics sent Holiday to Portland in return for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks.
Portland’s release states that the picks will not be part of the transaction. According to the statement, Holiday will be replaced by Simons.
The Globe’s BostonAccording to Adam Himmelsbach, the Blazers changed the agreement after discovering new information during an inspection of Holiday’s medical records. It was decided by both parties to finish the trade without the picks.
The 35-year-old Holiday is training as he always does during the offseason. He was able to participate in all six games of the Celtics’ second-round series against the Knicks, but he missed the final three games of the Celtics’ playoff series versus Orlando due to a hamstring strain.
Last season, Holiday participated in 62 games but missed the remaining 20 due to a number of relatively minor injuries, such as left-knee tendinopathy, a right shoulder impingement, and mallet finger.
Last season, the two-time All-Star guard signed a four-year, $134 million contract deal, with three years remaining. Next season, he is expected to earn $32.4 million.
The Celtics prioritized dropping below the second tier luxury tax level this offseason. By trading Kristaps Porzingis and Holiday, they were able to do that.
Over the past three seasons in Portland, Simons, 26, has averaged at least 19.3 points per game. His career 3-point shooting percentage is 38 percent.
Although he is over ten years younger than Holiday and may be a greater scoring threat, he is not as good of a defense. Additionally, his contract is about to expire, giving the Celtics flexibility if they choose to cut him after this season.
Additionally, the Porzingis trade has been finalized. In return for Georges Niang and a 2031 second-round pick, Boston sent Porzingis and a 2026 second-round choice to the Hawks.
Niang was born in Massachusetts. He is the all-time top scorer at Tilton School in New Hampshire and was born and raised in Methuen. He becomes one of the few Massachusetts-born athletes to play for the Boston Celtics at some time in their careers.
Brad Stevens, president of basketball operations for the Celtics, said in a statement that Anfernee is a tremendously talented young player who has steadily progressed during his seven years in the NBA. Throughout his career, Georges has consistently been a successful player and is no stranger to Boston. “We are thrilled to have them both join the team,” Stevens added.
Porzingis and Holiday’s accomplishments during the 2024 championship run were acknowledged by Stevens.
Stevens stated, “We are incredibly grateful for KP and Jrue and the time we spent together in Boston.” They were outstanding Celtics who had a significant influence on our team off the court. They played key roles in two outstanding teams, one of which won a new flag for us all. We are excited to honor them when they return to the Garden this season because of their lasting influence on this institution.
Boston.com’s Khari Thompson reports on professional sports. Khari worked as a college football reporter for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Mississippi, prior to joining the team in 2022.
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