Anfernee Simons trade merits Boston home run; Holiday to Blazers
The Anfernee Simons trade on Monday merits Boston a home run amid Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury, even as Jrue Holiday went to Portland.
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ANFERNEE SIMONS TRADE GIVES BOSTON A HOME RUN DEAL AMID TATUM INJURY
The Anfernee Simons trade gave Boston a home run deal amid Tatum’s right Achilles tear expected to sideline the superstar for most, if not all of the 2026 season.
Furthermore, Simons not only gives the Celtics a fresh body but he reduces Boston’s huge payroll while they await Tatum’s recovery.
Moreover, the 26-year-old Edgewater High School standout averaged 20.7 points per game in a starter’s role and can fill Tatum’s role on a temporary basis.
He is also not a slouch outside shooter.
Simons shot 37.4% on 8.8 3-point attempts with Portland last season.
This gives Celtics coach Joe Mazulla a fresh offensive weapon.
Incidentally, Simons joins the Celtics on an expiring contract, with Boston having the option of re-signing him or let him go as Tatum returns.
CELTICS ALSO GET TWO SECOND-ROUND PICKS IN DEAL
Boston not only got Simons but two second-round picks in the Holiday deal.
Moreover, Boston can use this picks to shore up youth in their roster.
Furthermore, it would be interesting if Boston retains the rest of its starters.
Tatum and Jaylen Brown are unlikely to move elsewhere.
The fates of big men Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis remain uncertain.
Derrick White, seemingly, is too valuable for Boston to give up.
Either way, Mazulla can use Simons either as a starter or a valuable sixth man once Tatum comes back.
BLAZERS REACQUIRE HOLIDAY BACK AFTER DEALING HIM TO BOSTON IN 2023
The Blazers actually reacquired Holiday back after it dealt him to Boston in 2023.
Furthermore, the 35-year-old guard was originally part of the Damian Lillard deal that had the latter sent to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Moreover, Holiday averaged 11.1 points per game, his fewest since his rookie, but brings defensive toughness to the young Blazers.
However, the 17-year veteran is owed around USD72 million in the next two seasons.
This makes him an expensive acquisition for Portland.
The Blazers bracing for pricey extensions to 2022 No.7 pick Shedon Sharpe and 2023 No.3 choice Scoot Henderson.
Thus, Portland may be in for a tight financial fix soon.
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