Celtics Beef Up Backcourt, Blazers Stockpile Assets in Holiday Trade

Trader Jrue

After donning Trail Blazers green for a season, Jrue Holiday is on the move again. The seasoned guard is heading back to the Eastern Conference to join the Boston Celtics.

Celtics Gain a Backcourt Booster

In the deal, the Celtics have acquired Holiday, a proven performer with an All-Star selection under his belt. Holiday brings a steady hand and a strong defensive presence to a Celtics team in need of backcourt reinforcement.

Blazers Load Up on Assets

On the other side of the trade, the Blazers have parted ways with Holiday but have gained a significant haul of assets. Portland has secured Malcolm Brogdon, a talented point guard, and Robert Williams, a promising center.

Additionally, the Blazers have secured a 2024 first-round pick originally belonging to the Golden State Warriors and an unprotected 2029 first-round pick. These assets offer the Blazers flexibility to bolster their young roster or make future trades.

Evaluating the Deal

The Holiday trade has drawn mixed reactions. Some analysts praise the Celtics for acquiring a proven veteran, while others question the wisdom of parting with promising young players like Brogdon and Williams.

For the Blazers, the deal represents a calculated move to shed salary and accumulate draft capital. Whether this strategy ultimately pays off remains to be seen, but it positions Portland for potentially significant roster changes in the future.