Boston Celtics add Jrue Holiday in trade with Blazers

 Boston Celtics add Jrue Holiday in trade with Blazers

The Boston Celtics have added a significant piece to their championship puzzle in the form of All-Star guard Jrue Holiday. The Celtics acquired Holiday from the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday in exchange for center Robert Williams III, guard Malcolm Brogdon, a 2024 first-round pick via the Golden State Warriors, and a 2029 first-round pick.

Holiday is a two-time All-Star and was a member of the 2021 NBA championship team with the Milwaukee Bucks. He is a versatile two-way guard who can score, defend, and distribute at a high level. Last season, he averaged 19.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game.

The addition of Holiday gives the Celtics one of the most dynamic backcourts in the NBA. He will join Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to form a trio that is capable of scoring from all three levels of the court. Holiday is also an elite defender who can guard multiple positions.

The Celtics were one of the best defensive teams in the NBA last season, but they struggled to score consistently. The addition of Holiday should help to solve that problem. He is a capable scorer who can create his own shot and get to the free throw line. He is also a good passer who can find open teammates for easy baskets.

The Celtics are now one of the favorites to win the NBA championship next season. They have a deep and talented roster that is led by three All-Star caliber players. The addition of Holiday gives them the extra firepower they need to compete with the best teams in the league.

How the trade impacts the Celtics

The Celtics are giving up a lot in this trade, but they are getting back a proven All-Star in Holiday. Williams is a talented young center, but he has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons. Brogdon is a solid all-around player, but he is not on the same level as Holiday.

The Celtics are also giving up two first-round picks, but they are still sitting on a lot of draft capital. They have two additional first-round picks in 2023 and a first-round pick in 2024.

Overall, the Celtics are taking on a lot of risk in this trade, but they believe that Holiday is the player who can help them win a championship.

How the trade impacts the Blazers

The Blazers are clearly in rebuilding mode after trading away Damian Lillard and now Jrue Holiday. They are getting back a good young player in Williams and a solid all-around player in Brogdon, but they are also losing two of their best players.

The Blazers are also getting back two first-round picks, which will be valuable assets in the future. They can use those picks to draft young players or trade them for other veterans.

Overall, the Blazers are making the right move by trading away Holiday and rebuilding. They are not a championship contender right now, and it is better to get something for Holiday now than to lose him for nothing in free agency next summer.