The Boston Celtics have taken the first step towards dissolving their current core of stars following a second-round exit in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Despite winning the 2024 NBA Championship, it was only a matter of time before the Boston Celtics broke up their current core of stars.
After all, the Celtics run the risk of going over the second apron of the luxury tax with the way their current roster is built.
As a result, players like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday were viewed as potential stars that the Celtics would part ways with this offseason.
The first domino has fallen for the Celtics in the form of trading two-time NBA champion Jrue Holiday. The C’s sent Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two second-round draft picks.
Upon learning the news, NBA fans on X expressed their shock at the Trail Blazers acquiring the aging veteran guard.
“Horrific trade for Portland unless they flip Jrue,” a fan wrote. While another added: “Bro, why does Boston always get these good trades?”
“The Blazers might be the dumbest team in the league,” a third fan stated.
“Wow, Celtics are always cooking in the offseason, man,” a fourth fan added.
“Lowkey got fleeced, could they not pay Jrue?” a curious fan asked.
Most fans believe this is a great move for the Celtics as they got rid of a massive contract in exchange for an expiring deal.
There are multiple things to consider for this trade. For starters, Simons is just 26 years old as compared to Holiday, who turned 35 recently.
While Holiday is a defensive juggernaut, the Celtics could use Simons’ scoring production in a season where Jayson Tatum likely won’t play.
| Stats | Jrue Holiday | Anfernee Simons |
| Points | 11.1 PPG | 19.3 PPG |
| Rebounds | 4.3 RPG | 2.7 RPG |
| Assists | 3.9 APG | 4.8 APG |
| Age | 35 years | 26 years |
| Salary | $32.4M | $27.6M |
Simons averaged 19.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game for the Trail Blazers last season. But the most important aspect of this trade is the financial gain for the Celtics.
Holiday is projected to make $32.4 million for the 2025-26 season. By comparison, Simons will make $27.6 million, and he will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2026.
The trade will essentially save the Celtics about $4.8 million in salary. They are still projected to go over the second apron, but the organization may eat Simons’ contract for a year if it helps them save money in the long term.
