NBA Trades: 5 winners and losers of the Celtics-Blazers Jrue Holiday deal
By Cal Durrett
NBA Trade Winners: Boston Celtics
Despite being one of the best teams in the NBA, the Celtics still had a surprising amount of assets, more than most in their position. That gave them the flexibility to go after Holiday when he unexpectedly became available. Trading a disgruntled player in Brogdon, a starting-caliber center in Williams, and two picks seems like a reasonable tradeoff for Boston to make.
Especially if it increases their chances in the playoffs, though there is definitely some risk involved. Moving Al Horford instead of Williams could come back to bite them if Horford declines or gets injured. There is also an injury risk involved with Kristaps Porzingis and potential depth issues by trading two rotation players for one.
Still, a starting lineup of Holiday, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Porzingis, and Horford is about as stacked as a starting five in the NBA can get. They can also pick up depth along the way, minimizing some of the risk.
After making the NBA Finals and the East Finals the last two seasons, the Celtics are clearly going all-in this summer by adding Porzingis and now Holiday. It might not result in them winning a championship, but it certainly improves their chances, and that makes them trade winners.