The Boston Celtics have taken step one in direction of dissolving their present core of stars following a second-round exit within the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Regardless of profitable the 2024 NBA Championship, it was solely a matter of time earlier than the Boston Celtics broke up their present core of stars.
In any case, the Celtics run the danger of going over the second apron of the posh tax with the best way their present roster is constructed.
In consequence, gamers like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Vacation had been considered as potential stars that the Celtics would half methods with this offseason.
The primary domino has fallen for the Celtics within the type of buying and selling two-time NBA champion Jrue Vacation. The C’s despatched Vacation to the Portland Path Blazers in trade for Anfernee Simons and two second-round draft picks.
Upon studying the information, NBA followers on X expressed their shock on the Path Blazers buying the ageing veteran guard.
“Horrific commerce for Portland until they flip Jrue,” a fan wrote. Whereas one other added: “Bro, why does Boston at all times get these good trades?”
“The Blazers is perhaps the dumbest group within the league,” a 3rd fan acknowledged.
“Wow, Celtics are at all times cooking within the offseason, man,” a fourth fan added.
“Lowkey obtained fleeced, might they not pay Jrue?” a curious fan requested.
Most followers consider it is a nice transfer for the Celtics as they removed a large contract in trade for an expiring deal.
There are a number of issues to contemplate for this commerce. For starters, Simons is simply 26 years outdated as in comparison with Vacation, who turned 35 not too long ago.
Whereas Vacation is a defensive juggernaut, the Celtics might use Simons’ scoring manufacturing in a season the place Jayson Tatum seemingly received’t play.
| Stats | Jrue Vacation | Anfernee Simons |
| Factors | 11.1 PPG | 19.3 PPG |
| Rebounds | 4.3 RPG | 2.7 RPG |
| Assists | 3.9 APG | 4.8 APG |
| Age | 35 years | 26 years |
| Wage | $32.4M | $27.6M |
Simons averaged 19.3 factors, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per sport for the Path Blazers final season. However crucial side of this commerce is the monetary achieve for the Celtics.
Vacation is projected to make $32.4 million for the 2025-26 season. By comparability, Simons will make $27.6 million, and he shall be an unrestricted free agent in the summertime of 2026.
The commerce will primarily save the Celtics about $4.8 million in wage. They’re nonetheless projected to go over the second apron, however the group could eat Simons’ contract for a 12 months if it helps them lower your expenses in the long run.
