Trade Grades: Jrue Holiday To The Celtics
It really happened. Brad Stevens didn’t choke. The Celtics needed Jrue Holiday in the worst way and were able to get it done. The Blazers and Celtics have agreed to a trade that sends Holiday to Boston while Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams, and two first round picks head to Portland. It’s time to hand out the trade grades. Which team won the deal?
Celtics: Grade A
I can’t stress this enough. This trade saved the season. Brad Stevens should send the Bucks a thank you card because they totally fell into a gift here.
I’ve talked about it 100 times but bringing Malcolm Brogdon back wasn’t an option for so many reasons. He was pouting and is always hurt. The Celtics also lost their defensive grit with Marcus Smart and Grant Williams leaving the building. This trade kills two birds with one stone.
Holiday gives Boston their Marcus Smart replacement while also getting Brogdon out of the building. This is a huge win for the Celtics. Could you hand-pick two better guards to have in a playoff series to stop Damian Lillard defensively?
The only part of this trade that sucks is losing Timelord. When right, he’s a total game changer on the floor. He makes everything around the basket and is an excellent rim protector. It’s still a no-brainer trade. You cash in two guys who are hurt all the time for one of the best two-way point guards in the league.
It’s not an A+ because losing Timelord stinks and the two first round picks aren’t nothing. Still, it can’t be understated that this move completes their team. It was a trade that had to get done. That starting five of Holiday, White, Brown, Tatum, and Porzingis is as good as it gets. Excellent defensively as well.
Blazers: Grade A-
I don’t care what anybody says, the Blazers did well in the totality of the Damian Lillard trade. I like what they did in the first deal.
With the dust settled, Portland has now acquired Ayton, Williams, Brogdon, and first-round picks in 2024 (via Golden State, protected 1-4), 2029 (Milwaukee unprotected) and 2029 (Boston unprotected). The Blazers also have pick swaps with the Bucks in 2028 and 2030. This isn’t done yet either obviously but Portland could find a taker for Brogdon and swing him to a team like the Clippers for even more assets.
Not every trade has to be a lose-lose. I really think this was a win-win. The Clippers get two nice young bigs to build around Scoot and got off one of the worst deals in the league with Nurkic. Portland actually has a real future for the first time in maybe my life. Great job by them to not just bend over and take Miami’s trash offer.
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