Celtics Rebuild After Tatum Injury: Porzingis to Hawks, Holiday to Blazers in Major Trades
Boston, MA – The Boston Celtics are undergoing a significant roster overhaul following a devastating Achilles tendon rupture suffered by star forward Jayson Tatum in the playoffs.In a series of moves finalized Tuesday, on the eve of the 2025 NBA Draft, the Celtics have traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks adn Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers, signaling a shift towards rebuilding and financial adaptability.
The three-team deal sending Porzingis to Atlanta also nets the Celtics a 2025 second-round draft pick and veteran forward Georges niang. Just a day prior, Boston agreed to send Holiday to Portland in exchange for guard Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks.
These moves, orchestrated by President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, acknowledge the significant absence of Tatum, who is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season. Tatum’s injury and subsequent $54 million salary for the upcoming season prompted the Celtics to reduce their payroll and avoid the NBA’s punitive “second apron” tax structure, perhaps saving upwards of $180 million in tax penalties.Holiday’s remaining $103 million over three years and Porzingis’ $30.7 million salary for 2025-26 also factored into the decision.Porzingis will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
The Eastern Conference is now projected to be more competitive in Tatum’s absence. While the Celtics lost two starters, the restructuring aims to position the team for future success once Tatum returns, alongside Jaylen Brown who is signed to a five-year, $285.4 million extension.