Jrue Holiday is on the move once again after the veteran has played for four teams (the Sixers, Pelicans, Bucks and Celtics), with Boston moving him to the rebuilding Portland Trail Blazers.
It was fairly expected, wasn’t it? The Celtics face some tough decisions this offseason to get them under the dreaded second apron, and this will absolutely help, especially as they wait for Jayson Tatum to come back from a torn Achilles. As for Holiday? He’s an aging two-time NBA champion with an expensive contract.
With all that in mind, we’ll hand out grades for both teams as we usually do. Let’s dive in:
Jrue Holiday trade details
CELTICS GET: SG Anfernee Simons, two second-round picks
BLAZERS GET: PG Jrue Holiday
Celtics trade grade
The Celtics will have trouble contending next season with Tatum out and that second apron status wasn’t going to help them maneuver. So they had to trade the 35-year-old Holiday and his contract, which has over $66 million the next two seasons before he has a $37.2 million option in 2027-28.
Getting Simons back isn’t the worst. His contract will expire after this season and we know he can score. His defense? Not as good. But it’s the kind of trade the Celtics need to make and they’ll need scoring in place of Tatum this season.
A necessary move with a decent return. Not bad!
GRADE: B+
Blazers trade grade
As Portland tries to move toward getting back to the playoffs, they’ll need some veteran help to get there. And yes, Holiday is past his prime. But maybe he’s there to help young players like Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe and Donovan Clingan to learn how to win. On paper, it’s a move to take on a large contract and get some picks in exchange, and I’d bet they weren’t going to re-sign Simons anyway.
GRADE: B
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Jrue Holiday trade grades for Celtics and Blazers deal
