Celtics Aims For Jrue Holiday Trade With Blazers
In a report by ESPN, it has been disclosed that the Portland Trail Blazers have reached an agreement to trade their All-Star guard, Jrue Holiday, to the Boston Celtics.
In return, center Robert Williams III, guard Malcolm Brogdon, a 2024 first-round pick via Golden State, and a 2029 first-round pick will be sent to the Blazers by the Celtics. This trade has materialized following the high-profile Damian Lillard trade with the Milwaukee Bucks, which initially brought Holiday to the Blazers, with the intent of trading him to the highest bidder over the weekend.
ESPN sources indicate that the Celtics have displayed significant interest in acquiring Holiday, who, at the age of 33, is anticipated to be pursued for a long-term contract, particularly with the impending 2024 free agency period. Should this acquisition come to fruition, it has the potential to establish the Celtics as the preseason favorites in the Eastern Conference. This is attributed to Holiday’s esteemed standing as one of the league’s premier two-way guards and his pivotal role in the Milwaukee Bucks’ victorious 2021 NBA championship campaign.
It has also been noted by ESPN that while the Blazers are eager to retain Robert Williams III to complement their new center, Deandre Ayton, Malcolm Brogdon may likely be engaged in further trade discussions upon his arrival in Portland. In the absence of another trade arrangement, Brogdon is poised to commence the season with the Blazers. The franchise remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing its youthful guard lineup, which boasts promising talents such as Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons, who inked a substantial $100 million extension last summer.
Even before potential transactions involving Brogdon, ESPN reports that the Blazers have already secured an impressive return from the Lillard trade. This includes valuable assets such as Deandre Ayton, Robert Williams III, Malcolm Brogdon, and multiple first-round picks in 2024 (protected 1-4 via Golden State), 2029 (unprotected from Milwaukee), and 2029 (unprotected from Boston). Furthermore, they have established pick swap agreements with the Milwaukee Bucks for 2028 and 2030.