How The Celtics Acquired Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis And Derrick White

The Boston Celtics are in great shape in the NBA Finals this year, holding a 2-0 lead against the Dallas Mavericks thanks to the brilliance of their combined talent. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are leading the way, but they are getting plenty of help right now. Looking back, let’s uncover the genius moves made by Brad Stevens and the Celtics management to acquire Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick White.

Winning The Jrue Holiday Sweepstakes

The Boston Celtics were always going to be the front runners to land Jrue Holiday after the Milwaukee Bucks traded him to Portland in the blockbuster Damian Lillard deal. Even so, they deserve credit for getting the deal over the line quickly.

Trade Details (October 01, 2023)

Celtics Received: Jrue Holiday

Trail Blazers Received: Robert Williams III, Malcolm Brogdon, 2024 First-Round Pick (GSW), 2029 First-Round Pick (BOS)

By acquiring Jrue Holiday before the start of the season, the Celtics have added one of the most tenacious defenders and skilled playmakers in the league. Known for his exceptional defensive abilities with six All-Defensive Team selections (including All-NBA Second Team this year), Holiday has consistently been among the league leaders in playing lockdown perimeter defense.

Offensively, Holiday’s impact has been equally significant. He brings a blend of scoring, playmaking, and leadership that will be invaluable for the Celtics. Holiday’s ability to create his own shot, facilitate for teammates, and operate efficiently in pick-and-roll situations makes him a perfect fit alongside Boston’s star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. 

His championship experience with the Bucks has also played a critical role this year since Holiday is posting 13.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game on 40.3% from three in the playoffs. In the Finals so far, Holiday has been superb by posting 19.0 points and 9.5 rebounds per game on 44.4% from deep.

The cost to acquire Holiday was substantial, with the Celtics parting ways with Robert Williams III, Malcolm Brogdon, and two valuable first-round picks. Williams, known for his shot-blocking and rebounding prowess, and Brogdon, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, were both key contributors to the Celtics’ Eastern Conference Finals run last year. However, the decision to include them in the trade reflects Boston’s commitment to win-now mode and their belief in Holiday’s ability to elevate the team to championship contention.

A Risky Trade For The Talented Kristaps Porzingis

The Celtics wanted Kristaps Porzingis so badly that even after failing to land him by including Malcolm Brogdon, they decided to part ways with their 2022 Defensive Player of the Year. It seemed risky at the time, but it worked out perfectly in a 3-team trade between the Celtics, Wizards, and Grizzlies.

Trade Details (June 23, 2023)

Celtics received: Kristaps Porzingis, No. 25 Pick In 2023 Draft (MEM, Marcus Sasser), 2024 First-Round Pick (GSW)

Wizards Received: Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala, Tyus Jones, No. 35 Pick In 2023 Draft (BOS, Julian Philips)

Grizzlies Received: Marcus Smart

The Boston Celtics knew what they wanted when they went after Kristaps Porzingis. Failing to acquire him by utilizing Marcus Smart instead of Malcolm Brogdon in trade discussions ended up being the better option for the Celtics since they managed to acquire Jrue Holiday who is an actual upgrade at the point guard position. 

With their new Big Four, the Celtics were the best team in the world from the start of the year. Kristaps came in with a reputation for being injury-prone, but has the skills to be an impact player as he showed with the New York Knicks when he made the All-Star Team in 2017-18. At 28 years old, Porzingis had a lot to offer even if he wasn’t impacting the wins column with the Dallas Mavericks or Washington Wizards. 

No surprise, Porzingis had an excellent first season in Boston, averaging 20.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in 57 games. Even if he missed some games, the big man revolutionized the Celtics’ offense as the team finished second in offense (120.6 PPG) and fifth in defense (109.2 PPG). An elite shot-blocker, Porzingis added 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 51.6% from the field and 37.5% from three. 

In the Finals so far, Porzingis is posting 16.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game including a dominant Game 1 performance when he scored 20 points on 8-13 shooting in only 20 minutes played. Looking back, the Celtics knew what they were getting. Standing at 7’3″, Porzingis’ unique combination of size, shooting ability, and shot-blocking prowess would always make him a perfect fit alongside Tatum and Brown.

Porzingis has seamlessly integrated into the Celtics’ system, delivering strong performances and showcasing his ability to score from both inside and beyond the arc. His presence has opened up driving lanes for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, while his shot-blocking and defensive rebounding have bolstered the team’s interior defense. Despite the initial concerns about his durability, Porzingis has managed to stay healthy and contribute enough to help the Celtics grab the best record in the NBA (64-18) and lose only two games in the playoffs so far.

The decision to trade Marcus Smart, a beloved figure in Boston known for his tenacious defense and leadership, was not made lightly. Smart’s departure marked the end of an era, as he had been the heart and soul of the Celtics’ defense for years as a Defensive Player of the Year winner. However, the front office’s willingness to make such a difficult decision underscored their commitment to building a championship-caliber roster and it has worked perfectly.

A Low-Key Trade For Derrick White That Has Made A Major Difference

The Celtics franchise also deserves major credit for acquiring Derrick White as well, because the former Spurs guard has become one of the best defensive players in the NBA and an elite three-point shooter as a star on both ends.

Trade Details (February 10, 2022)

Celtics Received: Derrick White

Spurs Received: Josh Richardson, Romeo Langford, 2022 First-Round Pick (BOS, Blake Wesley)

In a low-key but impactful trade, the Celtics acquired White from the San Antonio Spurs, sending Josh Richardson, Romeo Langford, and a 2022 first-round pick (that became Blake Wesley) in return. This move, while not headlined by superstars, has significantly bolstered the Celtics’ backcourt and overall team defense since White has averaged 13.3 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game with the team so far. In the playoffs this year, the guard has shown his worth by averaging 17.6 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game on 40.4% from three.

Derrick White has proven to be a valuable asset for the Celtics, quickly emerging as one of the best defensive guards in the NBA as he has made two straight All-NBA Defensive Teams. His ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses has been crucial for Boston, especially in high-stakes playoff situations.

Offensively, White’s development as an elite three-point shooter has added another dimension to the Celtics’ attack. His ability to space the floor (over 40% in the last two seasons) and knock down critical shots has complemented the scoring prowess of stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. White’s three-point shooting percentage has seen a significant uptick since joining the Celtics and he has become an untouchable starter. Once again, Boston managed to get a steal of a player without giving up too much.