Sun, Oct 1, 2023 at 12:09pm

HOLIDAY HEADS TO THE CELTICS

The Boston Celtics acquired guard Jrue Holiday from the Portland Trail Blazers for guard Malcom Brogdon, center Robert Willliams III, a first-round draft pick in 2024 and a first-round draft pick in 2029.

What does it give the Boston Celtics
Holiday is on the move for the second time in under a week. After being dealt to Portland as part of the Damian Lillard trade, Holiday is back in the Eastern Conference where he has a chance to exact revenge on the Bucks in the upcoming playoffs. It will be interesting to watch how Boston deploys Holiday. He could start or come off the bench as a six man. He might become a part of a potentially lethal small ball lineup with Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis. Boston hopes Holiday is the final piece to the puzzle.

What does it give the Portland Trail Blazers
The Trail Blazers are now fully accumulating draft picks. The first-round draft pick in 2024 (originally from Golden State) and the unprotected first-round pick in 2029 add to the draft picks they recently acquired in the Lillard deal. Brogdon could be their starting point guard and help teach the young guards Portland already has or come off the bench behind Scoot Henderson. Williams III is the second center the Blazers have recently brought in. Portland needs to see how he fits with DeAndre Ayton, but both big men are young and fit the team's timeline.

Fantasy impact
Holiday should provide similar fantasy value as his last couple of seasons. He is likely the third option behind Brown and Tatum in Boston, but he was not the top option with the Bucks either. Brogdon could see lots of minutes in Portland, making him a quality fantasy option. However, that could change if he is traded to a better team. The fantasy value of Williams III will depend on his health and usage. Before his injury issues, he was a valuable fantasy player. But there is definitely a risk/reward scenario associated with him.