The Warriors are aging and need to add players to a solid player to reduce pressure on Stephen Curry. Meanwhile, the Celtics are deep into the luxury tax and need to shed player contracts to avoid penalties. Obvious options include Derrick White, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Holiday. And now the 2024 champions have made the move, which makes their life a little easier and puts water on Golden State’s rumored plans to acquire another star.
After Jayson Tatum’s injury and his unavailability for a majority chunk next season, the Celtics needed another scorer. They did so by acquiring the Trail Blazers star, Anfernee Simons, and two second-round picks. In return, Jrue Holiday heads to Portland, as the Beantown have begun their pivot after a disappointing end to their season. This move also helps the 2024 champions with a major reduction in their luxury bill.
Boston’s luxury tax bill for 2025-26 drops by a projected $40 million, thanks to unloading the $72 million still owed to Holiday over the next two seasons, per Bobby Marks. Now, what that means is they are now $18 million below the dreaded second apron. Thus, in no rush to trade other key players like Derrick White or Kristaps Porzingis, as the former was on the radar of the Warriors.
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
This is a developing story…
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