Boston Celtics Trade Jrue Holiday to Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons, Picks
In a blockbuster transaction that changes the lineups of two NBA franchises, the Boston Celtics sent veteran guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons and two second-round draft picks, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.Â
The trade, which was completed on June 23, 2025, is a major revamp for the two franchises as they prepare for their respective objectives in the coming season.
Anfernee Simons Stats
Anfernee Simons, a 25-year-old shooting guard, has emerged as a dynamic scorer for the Portland Trail Blazers. Following is a breakdown of his career statistics, highlighting his development into a high-volume shooter and playmaker:
| Season | Age | Team | Games | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 25 | POR | 70 | 32.7 | 19.3 | 2.7 | 4.8 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 42.6 | 36.3 | 90.2 |
| 2023-24 | 24 | POR | 46 | 34.4 | 22.6 | 3.6 | 5.5 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 43.0 | 38.5 | 91.6 |
| 2022-23 | 23 | POR | 62 | 35.0 | 21.1 | 2.6 | 4.1 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 44.7 | 37.7 | 89.4 |
| 2021-22 | 22 | POR | 57 | 29.5 | 17.3 | 2.6 | 3.9 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 44.3 | 40.5 | 88.8 |
| 2020-21 | 21 | POR | 64 | 17.3 | 7.8 | 2.2 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 41.9 | 42.6 | 80.7 |
| 2019-20 | 20 | POR | 70 | 20.7 | 8.3 | 2.2 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 39.9 | 33.2 | 82.6 |
| 2018-19 | 19 | POR | 20 | 7.1 | 3.8 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 44.4 | 34.5 | 56.3 |
Simons' efficient scoring, especially from the perimeter, and developing playmaking are a good fit in the Boston backcourt. His expiring $27.7 million contract provides the Celtics with future flexibility.
Jrue Holiday Stats
Experienced point guard Jrue Holiday is a 34-year-old with plenty of experience and a defensive reputation, which he now brings to Portland. His career statistics reveal his two-way contribution
| Season | Age | Team | Games | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 34 | BOS | 62 | 30.6 | 11.0 | 4.3 | 3.9 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 44.3 | 35.3 | 90.9 |
| 2023-24 | 33 | BOS | 69 | 32.8 | 12.5 | 5.4 | 4.8 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 48.0 | 42.9 | 83.3 |
| 2022-23 | 32 | MIL | 67 | 32.6 | 19.3 | 5.1 | 7.4 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 47.9 | 38.4 | 85.9 |
| 2021-22 | 31 | MIL | 67 | 32.9 | 18.3 | 4.5 | 6.8 | 1.6 | 0.4 | 50.1 | 41.1 | 76.1 |
| 2020-21 | 30 | MIL | 59 | 32.3 | 17.7 | 4.5 | 6.1 | 1.6 | 0.6 | 50.3 | 39.2 | 78.7 |
| 2019-20 | 29 | NOP | 61 | 34.7 | 19.1 | 4.8 | 6.7 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 45.5 | 35.3 | 70.9 |
| 2018-19 | 28 | NOP | 67 | 35.9 | 21.2 | 5.0 | 7.7 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 47.2 | 32.5 | 76.8 |
Holiday's championship mettle (2021 with Milwaukee, 2024 with Boston), defensive energy, and playmaking ability make him a foundation piece for Portland's young core.
Boston Celtics Trade Impact
The Celtics' addition of Anfernee Simons is a strategic shift toward youth and financial flexibility. Simons, 25, is a high-scoring guard who can excel in Joe Mazzulla's three-point shooting and pace-based system. His 19.3 points per game and 36.3% three-point shooting in 2024-25 add offensive punch, particularly important with Jayson Tatum out due to injury.Â
The two second-round picks are more assets for a team in the NBA's second apron, which has limited their payroll. Trading Holiday, a fan favorite from their 2024 championship run, assists Boston in shedding his $37.4 million contract, which brings them nearer to financial flexibility.Â
Losing Holiday's elite defense and leadership, nevertheless, could worsen their backcourt defense, with lots of dependence on Derrick White to defend the perimeter. It's an open question whether Boston keeps Simons or moves him prior to his contract expiring, but this trade indicates long-term sustainability is the issue.
Portland Trail Blazers Trade Impact
The Portland reacquisition of Jrue Holiday, who they previously owned in 2023 only to trade him to Boston, marks an aggressive attempt to incorporate veteran leadership into their young trio of Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Deandre Ayton. Holiday's defensive flexibility and playmaking (3.9 APG in 2024-25) offer anchor and mentorship, potentially as a veteran starter or reserve point guard.Â
His return would allow the Blazers to continue their positive second half of the 2024-25 season, and they would be contenders in the Western Conference. Trading Simons, 25, with a career-high 22.6 PPG in 2023-24, at his expiring contract, is somewhat of a gamble. The two second-rounders are of marginal value next to the first-rounders Portland acquired in their 2023 Holiday trade, which leaves the long-term ceiling uncertain for a team that remains in flux.
This trade re-directs the course of both franchises, with Boston pushing for youth and cap relief and Portland rolling the dice on Holiday's veteran IQ as a fit for their young core. With the 2025-26 season on the horizon, the fallout from this transaction will be closely monitored by fans and pundits alike.
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