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Celtics Trade Holiday and Porzingis to Save $180M in Luxury Tax

Trading two high-salary contracts for expiring deals has pushed Boston beneath the league’s second tax apron, opening significant salary cap flexibility.

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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

  • On June 23, the Celtics sent veteran guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for shooting guard Anfernee Simons and two future second-round picks.
  • One day later, Boston moved center Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal that brought in forward Georges Niang and another second-round pick.
  • ESPN analyst Bobby Marks projects these moves will save the Celtics roughly $180 million in luxury tax payments for the 2025-26 season.
  • Clearing Porzingis’s $30 million salary and Holiday’s remaining deal brings Boston under the NBA’s second luxury tax apron and avoids harsh roster-building limits.
  • With renewed cap flexibility, the Celtics plan to reshape their roster around stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown for the upcoming season.