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Celtics Trade Holiday and Porzingis to Avoid Second Luxury Tax Apron

By freeing roughly $180 million in tax penalties, Boston gains flexibility to rebuild around Jaylen Brown after Jayson Tatum’s season-ending Achilles tear.

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rue Holiday #4 of the Boston Celtics dribbles against the Orlando Magic in Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 20, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 07: Jrue Holiday #4 of the Boston Celtics celebrates during the third quarter against the New York Knicks in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on May 07, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Overview

  • The Celtics sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for guard Anfernee Simons and two future second-round draft picks.
  • In a three-team deal with the Hawks and Nets, Boston traded Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta and acquired forward Georges Niang plus a 2026 second-round pick.
  • ESPN salary cap analyst Bobby Marks projects the transactions will save Boston about $180 million in luxury tax penalties over the coming seasons.
  • The trades address salary pressures after Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury and signal a front-office shift toward youth and athleticism.
  • Simons, coming off a 19.3-point season on a final-year contract, provides perimeter scoring and a cost-controlled option for next year’s lineup.