Overview

• The Celtics and Trail Blazers finalized a one-for-one trade on July 7 that sends Jrue Holiday to Portland and brings Anfernee Simons to Boston, with the previously included 2030 and 2031 second-round picks removed after Holiday’s medical review.
• Portland’s examination uncovered health issues that prompted the pick removal but did not void the deal, and Holiday is expected to be fully healthy for training camp.
• Trading Holiday’s remaining four-year, $135 million extension helps Boston fall below the NBA’s punitive second apron threshold and avoid severe repeater luxury-tax penalties.
• Simons arrives on a one-year, $27.7 million expiring contract after averaging 19.3 points and 4.8 assists, offering immediate backcourt scoring and a flexible trade asset.
• Now about $20 million over the luxury-tax line but under the second apron once roster spots are managed, the Celtics are weighing further cap-driven roster adjustments before training camp.