Simmons teams up with Brown in a 3-for-1 trade! The Celtics save $40 million in luxury tax, still exceeding the second luxury tax threshold.

On June 24th, according to renowned reporter Shams, the Boston Celtics have traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two second-round draft picks. Shams reported that the Blazers took proactive steps to reacquire Holiday.

Shams added that in 2023, the Blazers acquired Holiday from the Bucks in the Lillard trade, and then traded him to the Celtics, receiving two first-round picks in that deal. Now, Simons joins Boston with an expiring contract.

Shams also noted that the Celtics have been very active during the offseason, having just traded away Jrue Holiday, who played a crucial role in their pursuit of the NBA championship in 2024. Sources indicate that the Celtics are still negotiating trades involving several core players.

Salary expert Marks revealed the financial details of the trade—

Celtics—

Anfernee Simons: $25.9 million salary for the 2025-26 season, $27.7 million for the 2026-27 season (becoming a full free agent in 2026).

Salary saved by the Celtics: avoiding a total of $72 million in salaries for Holiday in the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons; expected to save $40 million in luxury tax for the 2025-26 season, while the total salary still exceeds the second luxury tax threshold by $18 million;

Simons is eligible for an extension.

Trail Blazers—

Jrue Holiday: Contract salaries of $30 million (2025-26), $32.4 million (2026-27), $34.8 million (2027-28), with a $37.2 million player option for the 2027-28 season.

The 35-year-old Holiday has been in the league for 16 seasons, playing 62 games for the Celtics in the 2024-25 season, averaging 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, with a shooting percentage of 44.3%, a three-point percentage of 35.3%, and a free throw percentage of 90.9%.

The 26-year-old Anfernee Simons has been in the league for 7 seasons, playing 70 games for the Blazers in the 2024-25 season, averaging 19.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, with a shooting percentage of 42.6%, a three-point percentage of 36.3%, and a free throw percentage of 90.2%.

Holiday's contract runs through the 2026-27 season, with a base salary of $32.4 million for the 2025-26 season, $34.8 million for the 2026-27 season, and a $37.2 million player option for the 2027-28 season. Based on these contract details, he became a candidate for trade and was ultimately moved.

Despite this, he expressed to reporters after the playoff loss that he hoped to stay with the Celtics, adding, "I believe we have the best team in the league."

Although this trade did not fulfill his wish, he now has the opportunity to further enhance his impressive career with a new team.

His resume includes two championships, six All-Defensive Team selections, two All-Star appearances, and two Olympic gold medals (2020 Tokyo Olympics and 2024 Paris Olympics). He is considered one of the best defensive players of his generation, having won two championships in the last five seasons, helping the Bucks in 2021 and the Celtics in 2024.

Holiday is known for his highly aggressive perimeter defense, averaging 15.8 points and 6.2 assists throughout his career, with a three-point shooting percentage of 37%.

In recent years, while playing alongside stars like Giannis and Tatum, he has expanded his offensive arsenal by leveraging the space they create, and he will seek to replicate that performance in his new destination.

Given his veteran leadership, ability to anchor perimeter defense, and well-rounded skill set, Holiday is expected to be a valuable addition for the Blazers, who are looking to turn things around after a 36-46 season.

Meanwhile, the Celtics acquire a highly promising guard in Simons, who could immediately become a top perimeter threat alongside Jaylen Brown.