Jrue Holiday Is a Celtic

Increasing the Eastern Conference arms race, the Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to deal All-Star guard Jrue Holiday to the Boston Celtics, sources informed ESPN on Sunday morning.

According to sources, the Celtics are giving the Blazers center Robert Williams III, guard Malcolm Brogdon, a first-round selection through Golden State in 2024, and a first-round pick in 2029.

Following the blockbuster sale of Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, which netted them Holiday, the Blazers are stockpiling assets in preparation for the weekend transfer of Holiday to the team with the best offer.

With Holiday's impending free agency in the summer of 2024, the Celtics, who were an active bidder for the 33-year-old, are anticipated to attempt to secure his long-term contract. The addition of Holiday might make the Celtics the preseason favorites in the Eastern Conference, surpassing the Bucks.

Holiday is regarded as one of the top two-way guards in the game, and the Bucks' 2021 NBA title was greatly influenced by his signing with the team. After the greatest break in NBA history—nine years—between appearances, Holiday was named to the Eastern Conference All-Star squad in 2023.