The Boston Celtics have taken their first step to unraveling their current star’s core, following their second 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 the core of their current star.
After all, the Celtics risk crossing the second apron of luxury tax, along with the current way of building the roster.
As a result, players like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday were seen as potential stars for the Celtics to say goodbye this offseason.
The first Domino fell for the Celtics in the form of trading two-time NBA champion Jrue Holiday. C sent his leave to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two second draft picks.
Learning the news, X’s NBA fans expressed shock to the Trail Blazers by winning an aging veteran guard.
“Unless they turn Jul over, the scary trade in Portland,” fans wrote. Another was added, “Why, why does Boston always get these good deals?”
“The Blazers may be the stupidest team in the league,” said the third fan.
“Wow, the Celtics are always cooking in the offseason, guy,” the fourth fan added.
“Lowkey was fleece, did they not be able to pay Jrue?” asked a curious fan.
Most fans believe this is a big move for the Celtics, as they removed the massive deal in exchange for an expired deal.
There are several things to consider in this transaction. First of all, Simons is only 26 years old compared to Holiday, who recently turned 35.
Holiday is a defensive juggernaut, but the Celtics can use Simons’ scoring productions in a season where Jason Tatum is not playing.
| statistics | Jrue Holiday | Anfernee Simons |
| point | 11.1 ppg | 19.3 ppg |
| rebound | 4.3 RPG | 2.7 RPG |
| assist | 3.9 APG | 4.8 APG |
| year | 35 years | 26 years |
| salary | $32.4 million | $27.6 million |
Simons averaged 19.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game for the Trail Blazers last season. However, the most important aspect of this trade is the economic benefits of the Celtics.
The holiday is projected to earn $32.4 million for the 2025-26 season. By comparison, Simons earned $27.6 million and will become an unlimited free agent in the summer of 2026.
This trade essentially saves Celtics’ salary of around $4.8 million. They are still projected to pass through the second apron, but the organization can eat Simons’ contract for a year if it helps save money in the long term.