Boston Celtics fans, take a deep breath—things just got complicated but potentially brilliant for the Celtics. In a surprising turn, Jrue Holiday is heading out, Anfernee Simons is coming in, and Boston just opened up a massive $40 million in tax relief. Holiday played a crucial role in helping the Celtics hang Banner 18 just last season. But with the team staring down the barrel of an increasingly brutal luxury tax situation, something had to give. And as much as Holiday brought to the court, the front office was forced to make a tough financial call to keep their championship window open without going all-in on future penalties. But here’s the kicker:

Boston’s luxury tax bill for 2025-26 drops by a projected $40 million, thanks to unloading the $72 million still owed to Holiday over the next two seasons, per Bobby Marks. Now, that’s not just a minor trim—it takes the Celtics $18 million below the dreaded second apron, opening doors that many top contenders can’t even peek through.

Shams Charania broke the news: “The Boston Celtics have traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks, sources tell ESPN.“

Simons, who averaged 20.7 points and 4.7 assists over the last three seasons, arrives on an expiring deal and is extension-eligible—a rare win-now and future play for Boston. The financial windfall is clear: swapping Holiday’s escalating salary for Simons’ $25.9 million contract not only saves the Celtics $40 million in tax but also positions them to maneuver under the NBA’s new cap landscape. The Celtics’ championship window just got a little wider—and a lot cheaper.

The Celtics might not be done just yet

So, the Celtics just pulled off a big one by trading Jrue Holiday — and while that’s already shaking up headlines, the story doesn’t end there. If you thought this move wrapped up Boston’s offseason plans, think again. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Celtics are still working the phones.

“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,” he wrote. “The Celtics remain engaged in trade talks surrounding multiple key players on the roster, sources said.” That bit of info was more than enough to get Celtics fans buzzing.

With so much talent packed onto the roster, everyone’s wondering who could be heading out next. And it didn’t take long before another name started floating around. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints added fuel to the fire, reporting some interesting chatter involving a major piece of Boston’s core.

“Boston has actively been talking with several teams around the league about moving Kristaps Porzingis,” Siegel wrote in response to Charania’s post. Porzingis didn’t have the postseason he wanted, struggling through illness and far from his usual self. But let’s not forget what he brings when he’s at full strength. With career averages of 19.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and a solid 36.6 percent from three, the Latvian big man is a rare blend of size and skill.

If the Celtics are truly still wheeling and dealing, the offseason could be far from over. Stay tuned — things might just be heating up.