The Boston Celtics have wasted no time in making offseason moves, trading away Jrue Holiday following a disappointing end to their 2024-25 season.
The Celtics crashed out of the NBA Playoffs in the second round, losing to the New York Knicks in six games, and endured a further devastating loss during the series.
Star man Jayson Tatum suffered a torn Achilles in game four, casting serious doubt over his availability for the entire 2025-26 season. Without the six-time All-Star, the Celtics’ hopes for a 19th championship are slim, at best.
But Boston has acted quickly following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. They traded away defensive specialist Jrue Holiday, who won the title with the Celtics in 2024, for young Portland Trailblazers guard Anfernee Simons, and reports suggest that they are not finished yet.
Boston Celtics preparing to make roster moves
The Boston Celtics are the NBA’s most successful franchise with 18 titles, measuring their success by championships alone. Tatum’s injury limits their ceiling as a title contender for the upcoming season, but it does present an opportunity to reset their roster for the 2025-26 season.
The Celtics have a deep roster stacked with talent even without the services of Tatum. 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown headlines the current cast. Many expect the four-time All-Star to step up into a leading role next year.
Payton Pritchard, the 2024-25 Sixth Man of the Year, proved to be a powerful weapon off the bench, Kristaps Porzingis played a pivotal role from the forward spot, and Derrick White made an impact as a two-way player in the backcourt.
These pieces can continue to contribute to Boston’s success in the future, but as reported by ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania, the Celtics are actively seeking to utilise these players to enhance their roster further.
“An extremely active offseason begins for the Celtics with the trade of Jrue Holiday, who played a critical role in Boston’s 2024 NBA championship,” said Charania on X.
“The Celtics remain engaged in trade talks surrounding multiple key players on the roster, sources said.”
Boston can make a move for Giannis Antetokounmpo
In May, Charania said on the Pat McAfee show, “I think this offseason might be the craziest ever,” and early into the summer, it is shaping up that way. Kevin Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets on the final day of the season, and with Boston’s Holiday trade, there has been plenty of early activity.
There is talent available in NBA Free Agency, and Boston’s talented roster means they have flexibility in the trade market, too.
The future of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a topic of speculation, and the Celtics would likely be one of the leading contenders to land the 2021 NBA Champion through a package that includes Brown.
Trading for Antetokounmpo would immediately make Boston one of the favourites for not only the upcoming NBA title, but also a leading contender for years to come.
Smaller moves are also available for the Celtics. They can add a reliable starter into their lineup with a trade for Los Angeles Lakers wing Rui Hachimura by giving up some of their depth further down the bench.
Alternatively, they could turn their attention to the upcoming NBA Draft, trading up from their current 28th pick to add youthful talent alongside Tatum when he returns.
Whatever path they take, stay tuned to the Celtics in what is set to be an intriguing offseason.