Breaking: The Boston Celtics Have Traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons and Two Second-Round Picks, Sources Tell ESPN
In a surprising offseason development, the Boston Celtics have officially traded veteran guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for rising star Anfernee Simons and two second-round draft picks, multiple sources, including ESPN, have confirmed.
The trade marks another major shift for the reigning NBA champions as they look to reshape their roster while staying competitive in an increasingly loaded Eastern Conference.
Full Trade Details:
✅ Boston Celtics Receive:
Anfernee Simons (Guard)
Two Future Second-Round Picks
✅ Portland Trail Blazers Receive:
Jrue Holiday (Guard)
Boston Prioritizes Youth and Scoring
Jrue Holiday played a critical role in the Celtics’ 2024 NBA championship run, offering elite perimeter defense, playmaking, and veteran leadership. However, with the front office focused on long-term roster flexibility and offensive firepower, the opportunity to acquire Anfernee Simons proved too valuable to pass up.
Simons, 25, has steadily developed into one of the league’s most promising young guards. Last season, he averaged 21.4 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game for Portland, shooting over 38% from beyond the arc. His dynamic scoring ability and versatility in the backcourt are expected to complement Boston’s All-Star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Trail Blazers Land Defensive Star and Veteran Leader
For the Trail Blazers, the acquisition of Jrue Holiday injects much-needed experience and defensive intensity into a young roster. Holiday, 34, is widely regarded as one of the NBA’s premier perimeter defenders and a steady presence in the locker room.
In Portland, Holiday joins a developing core featuring Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Deandre Ayton, providing mentorship and championship-level experience to a team in the midst of a rebuild.
“Adding a veteran like Jrue Holiday brings stability, leadership, and defensive toughness — all crucial for a young, evolving squad,” an NBA insider told ESPN.
League Reactions and What’s Next
The trade has sparked immediate reactions from analysts and fans alike, with many praising Boston’s ability to add young talent while maintaining their championship window, while others see Portland’s move as a signal they are ready to take a significant step forward defensively.
Social media platforms erupted within minutes of the news breaking, with phrases like “Celtics Trade Jrue Holiday,” “Anfernee Simons to Boston,” and “Blazers Acquire Jrue Holiday” trending worldwide.
Speculation also surrounds what further moves both teams might make before the start of the 2025 season, especially as both franchises look to maximize their new-look rosters.
