Celtics, Blazers Finalize Holiday-Simons Trade

The Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics have finalized a trade sending Jrue Holiday to Portland and Anfernee Simons to Boston, with two second-round draft picks for the Celtics removed after a review of Holiday's medical records. The medical concerns found were not substantial enough to void the deal but prompted a renegotiation, resulting in a straight player-for-player swap. Holiday, 35, is expected to be healthy for Blazers' training camp, while Simons, 26, joins Boston on an expiring contract, bringing scoring potential. Boston's roster moves, including this trade, come in the wake of Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury and a broader cost-cutting effort. Portland takes on Holiday's sizable contract, gaining veteran leadership but facing increased financial risk. Both teams are making offseason adjustments in preparation for the 2025-26 NBA season.