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Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

Jayson Tatum 'hurt' after Celtics strike blockbuster trade for Jrue Holiday

By Vinny Somma | Last updated 10/2/23

The Boston Celtics dealt guard Malcolm Brogdon and center Robert Williams III to the Portland Trail Blazers over the weekend. In exchange, Boston acquired two-time All-Star Jrue Holiday, further solidifying their placement among the Eastern Conference elites.

After three Eastern Conference finals appearances in four seasons, Holiday could prove to be the player to help Boston get over the hump and finally hang banner No. 18 from the rafters. Yet, despite the Celtics boosting their title hopes, the departure of two prominent teammates still stings for star forward Jayson Tatum.

On Sunday, Tatum took to Instagram to send a heartfelt goodbye to Brogdon and Williams. "This one hurt," Tatum wrote of the latter being shipped to Portland.

Tatum with heartfelt goodbyes to Robert Williams and Malcolm Brogdon on his IG story pic.twitter.com/M1fD69o8Ph
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 2, 2023

Williams, 25, burst onto the scene in 2021-22 earning second-team All-Defensive honors. In his first full season as a starter, Williams ranked second in the NBA with 2.2 blocks per game and within the top 15 for rebounds with 9.6 per contest. Unfortunately, injuries hampered the big man's development this past season, with him appearing in just 35 games and starting only 21.

Williams will look for a fresh start with the Blazers, albeit in a crowded frontcourt. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Portland plans to keep Williams to pair with Deandre Ayton, who they acquired from the Phoenix Suns in the three-team Damian Lillard trade. As for the Celtics, the loss of Williams limits Boston's depth at the five-spot, leaving Kristaps Porzingis and veteran Al Horford as the lone true bigs on the roster.

Brogdon had been unhappy with the organization due to trade rumors this summer, including a failed attempt by Boston to trade the reigning Sixth Man of the Year to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Shooting 44.4% from three last season, Brogdon is among the premier three-point snipers in the NBA. Replacing his shooting efficiency will be no small feat, although the arrival of Holiday should help ease concerns.

"There's a list of guys in the league that you always think you'll never have a real chance to get that you think are perfect fits... that you'd love to be a Celtic and Jrue is one of those guys."

Brad Stevens talks Jrue Holiday pic.twitter.com/9OVS42Mp5N
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) October 2, 2023

In many ways, Holiday gives Boston the best of both worlds in its backcourt. Arguably the best two-way guard in basketball, Holiday's 39.5% shooting percentage as a Milwaukee Buck helps mitigate the loss of Brogdon's prowess from beyond the arc.

On the other end of the court, Holiday is a three-time All-Defensive first-team selection, making him an ideal replacement for the departed Marcus Smart. Voted the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2021-22, Smart has served as the defensive stalwart of Boston's roster for the past nine seasons.

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