Anfernee Simons joins Boston Celtics as Jrue Holiday moves to Portland Trail Blazers
The Boston Celtics have traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks. Simons brings scoring power to Boston¡¯s backcourt, especially with Jayson Tatum sidelined. While it¡¯s a smart move for the Celtics, it signals a rebuild shift for Portland.
The Boston Celtics just made one of the smartest moves of the offseason. They sent veteran guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers and brought in rising star Anfernee Simons along with two second-round picks. With Jayson Tatum set to miss the season due to a torn Achilles, Boston needed help and fast. And they got it.
Simons is entering the final year of his $100 million contract and is likely to test free agency after this season. But that¡¯s what makes this trade even better for Boston. It gives them short-term scoring power with no long-term risk. If Simons fits well, great. If not, they can move on.
Boston gets a younger, faster, and more explosive alternative
Jrue Holiday was key in the Celtics' 2024 title run, but at 35, his best years may be behind him. Simons, on the other hand, is just 26 and already putting up elite numbers. Over the past three seasons in Portland, he averaged 20.7 points, 4.7 assists, shot over 37% from deep, and 90% from the free-throw line.
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
¡ª Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 24, 2025
Boston attempted more three-pointers than any team in NBA history last season. Simons will feel right at home firing from beyond the arc. With Tatum out, Simons can slot in as the No. 2 option next to Jaylen Brown. And when Tatum returns, Boston¡¯s offense will be even more dangerous.
What does this mean for Portland?
For the Trail Blazers, it¡¯s a bit of a mixed bag. Losing Simons won¡¯t feel good, but Portland¡¯s front office clearly wants to give more time to young guards Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Holiday won¡¯t be a long-term piece, but he can guide the younger players for now.
Plus, Portland gets a steady veteran who played great basketball in the second half of last season and can still contribute. The move also hints that the league doesn¡¯t view Simons as highly as Blazers fans do. With Simons on an expiring deal, Portland chose to act early rather than lose him for nothing.