Celtics Shake Up Roster: How Will Losing Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis Impact Boston?
By Edcel Panganiban June 29, 2025 14:13
The Boston Celtics have made some of the most significant roster moves of the offseason by trading away two key veterans: six-time All-Defensive guard Jrue Holiday and skilled big man Kristaps Porziņģis. These trades, while jarring for fans, were largely driven by financial considerations and the team’s need to navigate the NBA’s complex luxury tax system. But beyond the salary cap relief, the question remains: how will losing Holiday and Porziņģis affect the Celtics on the court?
The Trades and Their Context
Jrue Holiday was dealt to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two future second-round picks. Meanwhile, Porziņģis was sent to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team trade that brought Georges Niang and a future second-round pick to Boston. Both moves freed up roughly $27 million in salary commitments for the Celtics, allowing them to dip below the NBA’s second luxury tax apron, a hard salary cap threshold that severely limits roster flexibility.
Boston’s president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, emphasized the necessity of these moves following Jayson Tatum’s devastating Achilles injury during last season’s playoffs. With Tatum expected to miss a significant portion of the upcoming season, the Celtics are bracing for a potential “gap year” and need financial flexibility to retool their roster accordingly.
On-Court Impact: Losing Defensive and Offensive Versatility
Jrue Holiday’s departure is a major blow to Boston’s backcourt. At 35, Holiday remained one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders and a reliable secondary scorer behind stars like Tatum and Jaylen Brown. His ability to guard multiple positions and create offense was integral to the Celtics’ 2024 championship run. Holiday’s efficient scoring and playmaking helped balance Boston’s offense, and his veteran leadership was invaluable.
Porziņģis, meanwhile, averaged 19.5 points and 6.8 rebounds last season, providing a stretch-four presence with elite shooting and shot-blocking. Despite injury concerns and inconsistency, his size and shooting ability spaced the floor and complemented Boston’s star wings. Losing Porziņģis means Boston must find new ways to fill the void in both scoring and rim protection.
Incoming Pieces and Financial Flexibility
In return, Boston acquired Anfernee Simons, a talented offensive guard entering the final year of a $100 million contract, and Georges Niang, a versatile forward known for his shooting and hustle. While Simons’ $27.7 million salary is close to Holiday’s $32.4 million for next season, the trade saves Boston approximately $35 million in luxury tax payments over the next few years. Niang’s contract is significantly cheaper than Porziņģis’ $30.7 million salary, further easing Boston’s cap burden.
Simons offers scoring punch and youth, potentially helping offset Holiday’s offensive production. Niang adds floor spacing and veteran savvy but is not a direct replacement for Porziņģis’ size and rim protection. The Celtics now sit roughly $4.5 million below the second apron, giving them limited but crucial financial flexibility to pursue additional roster moves or retain free agents like Al Horford and Luke Kornet.
What’s Next for Boston?
The Celtics’ roster overhaul is far from over. With Tatum sidelined and a payroll constrained by luxury tax penalties, Boston is expected to remain active in the trade market. President Brad Stevens has repeatedly mentioned the need to “regain flexibility,” suggesting more moves could come as the team reshapes itself for both the short and long term.
Jaylen Brown and Derrick White are likely to return, but with their combined salaries pushing Boston’s payroll, the team may listen to trade offers for White to create further cap space. Meanwhile, the Celtics hold the No. 28 and No. 32 picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, which could be used to add young, cost-controlled talent.
Trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis marks a significant shift for the Celtics, who are transitioning from a championship-caliber roster to one focused on financial prudence and roster flexibility. While Boston loses critical defensive and offensive contributors, the moves provide the breathing room needed to navigate a season without Jayson Tatum and prepare for the future.
As Celtics fans digest these changes, the hope is that Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang can help fill the gaps left behind, and that Boston’s front office can leverage newfound flexibility to build a competitive team ready to contend once their stars are healthy again.
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