Jrue Holiday Traded to Orlando Magic Rival Boston Celtics
ORLANDO - Jrue Holiday is back in the Eastern Conference.
Just days after he was dealt by the Milwaukee Bucks to the Portland Trail Blazers in the Damian Lillard three-team blockbuster trade, Holiday is now heading back east to the Boston Celtics, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
"The Celtics were among the teams at very top of Holiday's wish list in recent days and expectation is Celtics are eager to retain him long-term, sources said. Holiday has a year left on deal. Boston beat out several teams in both conferences with a significant trade package," Woj tweeted.
In exchange for Holiday, the Celtics are sending Robert Williams, Malcolm Brogdon, a 2024 Golden State Warriors 1st-round pick, and a 2029 unprotected first-round selection to the Blazers.
Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz defending Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday.
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While the Celtics are a contender in the Eastern Conference and the Orlando Magic is a team on the rise, the two teams had some epic battles last season. In 2022-23, the Magic won three of the four meetings against the Celtics, including the last three.
This season, as the Magic eyes a playoff berth, Orlando is also slated to play Boston in the new in-season tournament, which could raise the stakes in a rivalry.
Holiday gives the Celtics a true point guard after losing Marcus Smart in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies earlier in the offseason. Holiday is expected to start alongside Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis.
Holiday and the Celtics face off against the Magic in Orlando on Black Friday, the final game in the in-season tournament before the knockout stage.
