Celtics Exec Talks Honest Trades: Jrue Holiday & Porzingis Losses

The Boston Celtics executed two major trades this offseason, dealing Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers and Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks. With Jayson Tatum out for the 2025-26 season due to an Achilles tear, the Celtics needed to re-evaluate their roster to avoid maintaining the league’s highest payroll. A Celtics executive expressed disappointment over the trades, acknowledging the team’s reduced competitiveness without Tatum but emphasizing the need for financial prudence. Despite these losses, the Celtics are still expected to make the playoffs. Upcoming trades of new acquisitions such as Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang are also on the horizon as part of their ongoing roster adjustments.

By the Numbers

• Jrue Holiday’s contract costs the Celtics $32.4 million next season.
• Kristaps Porzingis will make $30.7 million in the final year of his deal.
• The trades saved Boston over $62 million this offseason.

Yes, ButWhile the Celtics aim to optimize their roster without Tatum, some might argue that foregoing talented players like Holiday and Porzingis could undermine team morale and performance. However, the front office’s focus on long-term financial sustainability suggests a strategic shift rather than a simple rebuilding effort.

State of Play

• The Celtics are currently above the salary cap’s second apron, impacting their title contention status.
• Trading away top players like Holiday and Porzingis reflects a shift towards managing future payroll and team dynamics.

What’s NextWith the current shifts, the Celtics will likely explore trading newcomers Simons and Niang before the next season starts. Additionally, the team may seek other adjustments to accommodate salary cap constraints while preparing for Tatum’s return in the future.

Bottom LineThe Celtics’ trades of Holiday and Porzingis illustrate a strategic move towards fiscal responsibility in a challenging context without key players. It’s a calculated risk, aiming to maintain playoff competitiveness while planning for a stronger future post-Tatum injury.