The Boston Celtics are making big changes after losing to the New York Knicks in the conference semifinals. With a projected payroll of $493 million, including luxury tax, for the 2025-26 season, the team is now focusing on cutting costs and reworking the roster.
The Celtics recently traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks. The deal helped reduce their financial burden, but the Celtics are still about $18 million over the second tax apron. The team is likely to make more moves to reduce its salary and stay under the cap limit.
According to The Athletic’s Jay King, Boston is now trying to trade Kristaps Porzingis. The big man is ready to earn over $30 million next season. Sources say the holiday trade is just the beginning, as the team pushes to get under the second apron. Porzingis battled post-viral syndrome late in the year and missed 40 games, scoring just 25 points total in six playoff games against the Knicks.
The Celtics are still trying to trade Kristaps Porziņģis even after dealing Jrue Holiday to Portland, sources tell @ByJayKing.
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) June 24, 2025
Sources believe the Holiday trade will be only the first domino to fall for Boston, who is looking get under the salary cap's second apron. pic.twitter.com/ArAlQYA6Yg
Even with injury concerns, Porzingis remains a valuable player. He is one of only two players in NBA history, alongside Brook Lopez, to record four seasons with 100+ blocks and 100+ made three-pointers.
Jrue Holiday Remains A Core Presence In Portland Trail Blazers‘ Depth
The Portland Trail Blazers acquired guard Jrue Holiday from the Boston Celtics in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks. The deal will likely become official in early July, giving Portland the star power it lacked since trading Damian Lillard.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
At 35, Holiday is a six-time All-Defensive selection and former NBA champion. He brings leadership, elite defense, and playoff experience to a young Blazers roster looking to return to the postseason.
Despite concerns about his age and contract over $104.4 million over three years, the Blazers plan to keep Holiday as a core piece. His arrival signals urgency and a win-now mindset, with more roster moves likely as Portland pushes to end its playoff drought.
Also Read: Magic Johnson Takes Nasty Shot At Boston Celtics After Jeanie Buss’ Stunning Lakers Sale
