Jrue Holiday is on the move again, with the Boston Celtics trading the veteran guard to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks. This trade not only reshapes the rosters of both franchises but also puts the spotlight back on Holiday’s contract and what this could mean for the Trail Blazers moving forward.
Jrue Holiday’s Contract and Salary
Holiday’s contract has been a hot topic in NBA circles, and for good reason. The two-time NBA champion inked a four-year, $134.4 million extension with the Celtics in April 2024, locking in a $32.4 million salary and cap hit for the 2025–26 season, according to Spotrac. That figure makes him one of the highest-paid players on the Blazers’ payroll and places added expectations on his shoulders.
The guard is set to earn $34.8 million in the 2026-27 season, and his current contract gives him a player option in the following season. If he decides to exercise this option, the two-time NBA champion would earn $37.2 million in the 2027-28 NBA season.
At 35, Holiday has seen his averages drop, but still brings a solid all-around game and defensive tenacity to the court. In the 2024–25 campaign with Boston, he averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per contest, shooting 44.3% from the field and 35.3% from deep.
Those numbers may not leap off the stat sheet, but on his day, Holiday can lock up opposing guards, quarterback the defense, and serve as a secondary playmaker. He’s the type of player who can swing a playoff series with a timely stop or clutch bucket.
Portland briefly landed him in the Damian Lillard trade, only to flip him to Boston then. The Blazers now welcome a seasoned floor general with championship chops. Holiday’s presence in the locker room should be invaluable for a young core still learning to win at the highest level. His playoff experience and reputation as a culture-setter could accelerate the development of Portland’s rising stars.
BREAKING: The Boston Celtics have traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/2ycXQicGkT
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 24, 2025
Holiday brings a winning pedigree to Portland with a resume that boasts two NBA titles (2021 with the Bucks, 2024 with the Celtics), multiple All-Star nods, six All-Defensive Team selections, and two Olympic gold medals. As the Blazers look to turn the corner, Holiday’s combination of experience, defensive grit, and leadership could be the X-factor that helps the team make noise in the West.
