Joshua Linnehan
A couple of days ago, the Boston Celtics made yet another massive move this offseason by trading for former Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday. Holiday, a two-time All-Star, and five-time All-Defensive Team player, was part of the blockbuster Damian Lillard trade that happened on September 27th. Four days later, the Trail Blazers, who acquired Holiday along with a few other players and draft picks, sent Holiday off to Boston. The Celtics gave up some big pieces in this deal, including center Robert Williams III, guard Malcolm Brogdon, and two first-round picks (2024, 2029 unprotected).
This marks the second big trade the Celtics have made this offseason, as they also acquired All-Star forward Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards back in June for guard Marcus Smart and others. This is another move that shows the Celtics are going all in this season. After another disappointing playoff loss to the Miami Heat last season, GM Brad Stevens is assembling a super team to join the duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. This move is also in response to Milwaukee acquiring the superstar guard Lillard, as the Bucks are building a super team of their own.
Holiday had a great season for the Bucks this year, averaging 19.3 points per game, with 5.1 rebounds, and 7.4 assists as well. He shot 47.9% from the field, and 38.4% from three-point range, while making his 2nd All-Star team. He is 33 and it’s his 15th year in the NBA, but his veteran presence will be needed after the loss of Smart. Holiday provides elite defense at the guard position as well, averaging 1.2 steals last season, and earning All-Defensive First Team honors.
The Celtics definitely had a tall price to pay with this trade as their beloved starting center, “Timelord” Robert Williams, was shipped off to Portland. Williams always had injury problems in his five years as a Celtic, but when healthy he’s one of the best rim protectors and alley-oop threats in the league. After one season in Boston, Malcolm Brogdon will now join his 4th team, which was a given as he’d wanted out of Boston this whole offseason. They also gave up two first rounders in this deal. The 2024 pick was acquired in the Porzingis trade and is top-four protected.
The Celtics lost a lot of important players this offseason, but it’ll hopefully be worth it, as they have arguably the best core in the league now with Tatum-Brown-Porzingis-Holiday-White. One major issue this trade creates is team depth. Outside of the star talent, the bench looks to be very shorthanded, unlike last season. If Boston is able to find some players to fill out the bench, the incredible talent on this roster could get them over the hump and help them raise the banner 18.
