ESPN Oct 1, 2023 12:08 pm ET3 minute reading
The best of Jrue Holiday on his way to the Celtics
Take a look at Jrue Holiday’s best moments with the Bucks as the Blazers trade him to the Celtics.
The Portland Trail Blazers are trading guard Jrue Holiday to the Boston Celtics, sources tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
According to sources, the Celtics are trading Robert Williams III and Malcolm Brogdon, a protected 2024 first-round pick they acquired from the Golden State Warriors, and the team’s own unprotected 2029 first-rounder to the Blazers.
Holiday was traded from Milwaukee to Portland on Wednesday as part of a three-team trade that sent Damian Lillard to the Bucks.
The Celtics have been among the teams at the top of Holiday’s wish list in recent days, and Boston is expected to want to keep him long-term, sources said. Holiday still has one year left on his current contract.
The Celtics used a significant trade package to beat out multiple teams in both conferences for the two-time All-Star’s services.
With Holiday on board, Caesars Sportsbook reduced the Celtics’ title chances from +500 to +450 after the trade. Boston is the second favorite behind Milwaukee at Caesars.
A five-time All-Defensive Team selection, Holiday’s signing should mitigate the losses of Williams and point guard Marcus Smart, both of whom were traded this offseason to Portland and Memphis, respectively.
Sources said the Blazers intend to retain Williams, a strong defensive player, to pair him with fellow 25-year-old center Deandre Ayton. The No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft, Ayton landed in Portland from Phoenix in Wednesday’s Lillard trade.
Brogdon’s long-term future with the Blazers is less certain as there is interest in the veteran point guard, sources said, and teams are expected to pursue him. The Blazers are committed to a group of young guards that includes Anfernee Simons, who signed a four-year, $100 million contract extension last summer; Shaedon Sharpe, entering his second season; and the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft, Scoot Henderson.
Information from ESPN’s David Purdum was used in this report.