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Jrue Holiday is returning to the Portland Trail Blazers as part of a trade with the Boston Celtics, which involves Anfernee Simons and two second-round draft picks being sent to Boston, per Shams Charania’s report.
Holiday played a pivotal role in Boston’s championship pursuit in 2024, averaging 13.2 points per game with impressive shooting splits of 50-40-90. He also earned All-Defensive team honors and recorded a career-best 42.9% from beyond the arc last season.
As he embarks on his 17th season in the NBA, Holiday is expected to infuse Portland’s youthful roster with experienced leadership and reliable defensive skills.
In return, the Celtics will welcome Simons, a 26-year-old guard recognized for his high-volume shooting, who has averaged close to nine three-point attempts per game over the last three seasons, fitting seamlessly into Boston’s perimeter-focused strategy.
Additionally, Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford has secured a three-year contract extension worth nearly $60 million, extending through the 2028-29 season, according to ESPN’s NBA insider.
Gafford put up solid stats last season and holds the highest career field goal percentage in the NBA since 2019-20 at 71%, with defensive stats placing him in the top 10 for field goal percentage allowed as a shot contesting defender.
Both of these transactions underscore a busy offseason as teams strategically position themselves for the upcoming NBA season.
