Introduction to the Trade
The NBA offseason is already in full swing. Just a day after the NBA Finals ended, the Boston Celtics traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Monday night.
BREAKING: The Boston Celtics have traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/2ycXQicGkT— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 24, 2025
Boston remain engaged in trade talks for multiple key players on its roster, Charania added.
Impact of the Trade on the Celtics
Holiday was a key contributor to Boston’s 2024 NBA title, playing lockdown defense and being a playmaking hub on offense. The 35-year-old agreed to a four-year, $135 million extension in April of 2024.
Simons, 26, is on an expiring contract worth north of $27 million. The 2018 No. 24 overall pick has developed into a solid multi-level scorer, but Portland has struggled to build a playoff team in the post-Damian Lillard era.
Portland initially received Holiday in its 2023 trade that sent Lillard to Milwaukee before rerouting him to Boston.
Player Statistics
This past season, Holiday averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists on a 44/35/91 shooting split. Simons with Portland averaged 19.3 points, 4.8 assists and 2.7 rebounds on a 43/36/90 shooting split.
Shaedon Sharpe, Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, Scoot Henderson and Deni Avdija were the other key scorers for Portland this past season, though the team doesn’t have a clear direction yet in terms of contending vs. building.
Future of the Celtics
Boston seems to be retooling while shedding salary, letting go of a championship-caliber squad piece for a potential lead scoring guard as Jayson Tatum rehabs from a torn Achilles. With Boston seemingly eyeing more moves, how Simons fits into the wider scheme will be more clear.
The deal saves the Celtics $40 million in luxury tax payments next season, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
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Conclusion
The trade between the Boston Celtics and the Portland Trail Blazers marks a significant shift in the NBA landscape. With Jrue Holiday heading to Portland and Anfernee Simons joining Boston, both teams are looking to redefine their strategies for the upcoming season. As the Celtics aim to retool and shed salary, they will be closely watched to see how they utilize Simons and navigate the luxury tax implications of this trade.
FAQs
Q: Who was traded in the deal between the Boston Celtics and the Portland Trail Blazers?
A: Jrue Holiday was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, and Anfernee Simons was traded to the Boston Celtics, along with two second-round picks.
Q: What are the contract details of Jrue Holiday and Anfernee Simons?
A: Jrue Holiday has a four-year, $135 million extension, while Anfernee Simons is on an expiring contract worth over $27 million.
Q: How does this trade affect the Boston Celtics’ luxury tax payments?
A: The trade saves the Celtics $40 million in luxury tax payments next season.
