Brad Stevens has pulled off another savvy move. Last night, the Boston Celtics agreed to trade Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for 26-year-old scoring guard Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks.
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
Celtics Make Home Run Trade for Anfernee Simons
This is a great trade for the Celtics. It was well documented that they had to shed salary this offseason to get under the league’s second apron of the salary cap, and this trade accomplishes that (there is still work needed to go below the second apron) while bringing in a young, dynamic guard.
Anfernee Simons, 26, is an absolute bucket getter who will fit perfectly into Joe Mazzulla’s offense. Last season, he averaged 19.3 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.7 rebounds. In addition, he is not shy when it comes to shooting three-pointers, attempting 8.5 per night, hitting them at a 36% clip. While Simons is not the most efficient scorer, 42.6% last season, he is still developing and has room to grow alongside the team’s core.
Jrue Holiday, meanwhile, leaves the Celtics after two impactful seasons, including a championship run that brought banner 18 to Boston. His value to the team went beyond the box score. Every game, Holiday would guard the other team’s best player and deliver in clutch moments.
Last season, Holiday was pivotal, willing to guard the other team’s best guard. In the Eastern Conference Finals, his steal on Andrew Nembhard sealed Game 3. Then, in the finals against the Mavericks, he showed why he is one of the league’s best on-ball defenders, giving Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving fits. Holiday also showed his two-way ability, averaging 12.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists on the offensive end.
For Celtics fans, this trade represents a changing of the guard. Holiday’s legacy as a key player who helped them win Banner 18 is set. Now, all eyes turn to Anfernee Simons, who has the potential to be a central figure in a new era of Celtics basketball.