LeBron James implies Celtics got lucky with offseason trade

The Celtics traded Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams, a 2024 first-round pick (via Warriors) and a 2029 unprotected first-rounder to the Trail Blazers for Jrue Holiday last offseason. On paper, that's a fair deal for a 15-year veteran on an expiring contract — albeit one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. 

However, LeBron James has implied that the Brad Stevens-led Celtics front office landed Holiday without giving up assets of considerable value.

Speaking on the inaugural "Mind the Game Pod," James touched upon the trades of Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis that catapulted the Celtics to the status of prohibitive title favorites.  

"They are in a position where they can make another title run," James said referencing Boston's 2022 NBA Finals loss. "Personnel helps. Adding Porzingis and getting Jrue for a bag of Lays potato chips — that helps as well [laughs]."

In fairness to the Blazers, Holiday — a veteran of 15 years — was never going to be a member of their rebuilding team, and they did get back two first-rounders as part of the trade. Furthermore, the Celtics acquired Holiday's expiring contract and could be forced to add to their growing luxury tax bill by giving the defensive ace a huge contract this summer. As such, the Celtics didn't necessarily fleece Portland.

By downplaying the assets Portland received, James was likely referencing the fact that both Brogdon and Williams have been injury-prone in recent years. Williams played 35 games for the Celtics last season and appeared in only six as a Blazer before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Brogdon, too, is in the middle of another injury-riddled season that has seen him appear in just 39 games.