The Boston Celtics made a trade on Sunday according to multiple reports and sources. Boston is acquiring guard Jrue Holiday from the Portland Trailblazers in exchange for Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams III, an protected 2024 draft pick that they had acquired from the Golden State Warriors, and their own unprotected first round pick in 2029.
Holiday had been traded to Portland from Milwaukee on Wednesday as part of a three team deal that sent Damian Lillard to the Bucks. The Celtics were among the teams at the very top of Holiday’s wish list in recent days and the expectation is that Boston is eager to retain him long-term, sources said. Holiday has a year left on his current contract.
With Holiday on board, Caesars Sportsbook shortened the Celtics’ title odds from +500 to +450 after the trade. Boston is the second favorite behind only Milwaukee at Caesars. A five-time All-Defensive Team selection, Holiday’s addition 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 keep Williams, a defensive stalwart, to pair 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 has been interest in the veteran point guard, sources said, the expectation is that teams will be calling on him. The Blazers are committed to a group of young guards that features Anfernee Simmons who signed a four-year $100 million extension last summer; Shaedon Sharpe who is entering his second season; and the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft Scoot Henderson.
Story by Chris Lessner/Information gathered for this story courtesy of ESPN
