In response to a direct shock, the Boston Celtics have traded for scoring guard Anfernee Simons from the Portland Trail Blazers, sending a veteran defensive staple, Jrue Holiday, packing and reshaping the future of both franchises ahead of the 2025–26 NBA campaign
The Trade Breakdown
Multiple confirmed sources report the trade includes:
Boston Celtics get:
Anfernee Simons
Two future second-round picks
Portland Trail Blazers get:
Jrue Holiday
This transaction represents a dramatic change in Boston’s roster strategy and Portland’s long-range planning.
Why Boston Pulled the Trigger
With Jayson Tatum recovering from a recent Achilles injury and Jaylen Brown under growing pressure to be a lone scorer, Boston required a new offensive punch—pronto.
Anfernee Simons, with his premium shooting range, explosive first step, and fearless one-on-one play, provides immediate offense to a Celtics team that has historically struggled in half-court offenses. He scored 21.3 points per game last year on effective shooting, and his expiring deal allows Boston to have cap flexibility down the line.
“Simons gives Boston what they’ve been missing—a true scoring guard who doesn’t have to control the ball. He can score 30 on any night,” added a Celtics source.
Portland’s Plan: Defense, Stability, and Leadership
This trade for Portland is all about veteran presence and defensive leadership. Jrue Holiday, a two-time All-Defensive shooting guard, is 35 but still one of the league’s best perimeter defenders.
The Blazers—filled with young players such as Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe—acquire a mentor who’s won a title, has respect, and reinforces their leaky defense.
“It’s not just about stats; it’s about culture. Jrue Holiday brings winning DNA,” Trail Blazers GM Joe Cronin said.
Analysis: Who Wins This Trade?
Boston’s Upside:
Simons provides them with the scoring punch they’ve lacked.
They shed Holiday’s $32.4M salary and don’t have to worry about long-term financial stress.
Flexibility next summer if they don’t re-sign Simons.
Portland’s Point of View:
Holiday leads the young core.
Picks up championship know-how.
Can be a trade asset in February for title contenders.
Our Opinion: This is a short-term victory for Boston, but a long-term cultural addition for Portland. It’s a unique situation where both sides can leave happy.
What’s Next for Simons in Boston?
Simons finally gets an opportunity to showcase himself on the grand stage at TD Garden. Look for him to split backcourt minutes with Derrick White, providing the Celtics with a deadly duo of offense and defense.
If he finds chemistry with Boston’s system, the Celtics might re-sign him and make him a stalwart of their future.
End of story
This trade isn’t a player trade—it’s an identity trade. Boston is wagering on youth and scoring punch. Portland is wagering on experience and stability. One thing’s for certain: this deal will map the future of both teams very differently.
Keep it locked to SportSnip.com for additional breaking NBA trade news, analysis, and behind-the-scenes reporting.