Celtics Reportedly Feeling Conflicted After Blowing Up Championship Roster
The Boston Celtics dramatically reshaped their roster over the last two days, parting ways with two key members of their 2024 championship team.
The first domino fell on Monday night when the Celtics reportedly sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks.
With the dust from that move still settling, Boston pulled off another blockbuster on Tuesday. The Celtics dealt Kristaps Porzingis and a second-round pick in a three-team trade with the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets, netting Georges Niang and a second-round pick in return.
While painful, the moves were necessary. Boston needed to get under the second apron and get younger, and the trades accomplished both.
Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens was praised for his skillful maneuvering on the eve of the NBA Draft, but the organization is reportedly feeling mixed emotions after shipping out two core players who won a title together 12 months ago.
On Tuesday night, Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe shared some insight on X about the team’s mood following its major overhaul.
“Was told that the Celtics are pleased with their necessary deals this week but that the general mood within the org is somber,” Himmelsbach wrote.
While Holiday and Porzingis spent only two years with Boston, they both played critical roles in helping the Celtics raise their 18th championship banner. Holiday provided elite backcourt defense and poise under pressure, while Porzingis gave Boston a new dimension on offense with his size and shooting range.
Both players missed considerable time with various ailments last season, however, as the Celtics were unable to repeat. Given the duo’s age, injury history and contract situations, it made sense for Boston to move on, especially with Jayson Tatum expected to be sidelined for most of next season with an Achilles injury.
Saying goodbye is never easy, but the time had come.