Stevens explains why the Celtics trade Holiday and Porzingis

According to US sports media F/W reporter Sidante Gupta. The Celtics look very different from their winning roster two years ago. The Celtics’ position as a championship contender has been questioned after a major change to their roster. When asked to explain the reasons behind these decisions, Celtics’ basketball operations president Steven S.C. responded frankly: “The deal happened. I think these are obvious. The basketball penalties related to these are real. We all talked about that. But we were lucky because we like the players we came back. You know, I think that’s one of the things we’re excited about.”

After facilitating the deal between Holiday and Posses, the Celtics saved a lot of luxury taxes. However, he said it was challenging to see key players like Holiday and Porzingis leave. He continued: "These trades are not easy. These calls are not easy. Obviously, these guys have been in the league for a long time. They know the NBA. They know that there is a good chance they are being part of the relocation, and they have been told about it before. But it is still difficult. We will miss them, and we thank them."

Stevens also talked about the positive aspects of the deal and the Garza and Minot they signed in the offseason. He added: "The tools we can use are limited because we are located near the second apron. We are looking for contractors who have room for upwards, they are competitors, they are workers, they want to be good people, they haven't reached their peak yet, but we've seen something in them that gives them a chance to make a very big impact."

Although Garza and Minot's joining may be considered positive from a salary cap perspective, neither player has the ability to make a difference for the team next season. The impact of the deal puts the Celtics at a disadvantage, especially given that they will also have no superstar Jason Tatum for much of next season. With the roster strength significantly reduced, the upcoming season actually seems to be a gap year for the Celtics. But the franchise has turned its attention to the future.

Boston has reportedly become a potential landing site for recently abandoned star guard Damian Lillard. Lillard will enter free agent form after being bought out by the Bucks, and so far he has gained the attention of several teams. Given that Lillard will also recover from injury next season, his return schedule is consistent with Tatum. With a lower salary, Lillard can join the Celtics, effectively turning them into contenders again. While it is very necessary to strengthen their frontcourt, by following such a plan, Boston may find itself on the path to becoming a champion contender again.