The first big move of the offseason is finally here. In a surprising turn of events, the Celtics have agreed to send Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies. In the impending trade, the Grizzlies receive Marcus Smart and send Tyus Jones to the Wizards. Finally, the Celtics will net Kristaps Porzingis in the blockbuster three-team deal.
Examining The Blockbuster Three-Team Trade Between The Celtics, Grizzlies, And Wizards
What This Trade Means for the Boston Celtics
The Celtics did not waste any time retooling and improving for next season. After a disappointing ECF loss to Miami, the Celtics make their first move by trading Marcus Smart. This is a surprising move considering Smart’s reputation and career in Boston. Smart made the playoffs every year in nine seasons as a Celtic. He also has several Celtics records, including winning the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022. Albeit his bad habits, particularly on offense, Smart was the heart and soul of the Celtics. His playoff struggles somehow overshadow what he provided to the Celtics: Toughness, mentality, and grit. How will Boston cope without their emotional leader?
We might see Derrick White starting now for the Celtics following his impressive 2023 playoff run. He often found himself in Joe Mazzulla’s closing lineups along with the Celtics’ usual starters. With Smart gone, expect White to lead the offense for the new-look C’s.
In exchange for Smart, the Celtics are bringing in Kristaps Porzingis. The 7’3″ big man adds depth to the 4/5 spot for the Celtics. Robert Williams III and Al Horford have done a good job thus far but adding a guy like Porzingis increases the Celtics’ overall ceiling. Porzingis adds a scoring element to the Celtics’ frontcourt that Williams and Horford are not expected to provide. He is a 40% shooter on spot-up threes and an improving post-scorer and playmaker. Porzingis is also one of the better drop defenders in the league, and at 7’3″, he can bother and block shots at ease. Although there still might be health concerns considering Porzingis’ track record, he brings in a lot of positives for the Celtics.
What This Trade Means for the Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies shore up its wing position with the expected departure of Dillon Brooks by adding Marcus Smart. The former defensive player of the year can easily slot in alongside Ja Morant and Desmond Bane to form a lethal trio. Smart can also start at his natural position of PG in the first half of the season when Morant serves his 25-game suspension. Furthermore, Smart’s versatility can be used in a lot of ways. He can also be the backup PG off the bench whenever needed, with Tyus Jones gone.
But more importantly, Smart brings in the veteran leadership that the young Grizzlies sorely need. Memphis has been in constant search for that particular voice in the locker room, and they found it with him. Smart’s toughness and mentality will also likely keep the Grizzlies in check so they avoid doing crazy stuff.
What This Trade Means for the Washington Wizards
The Wizards get one of the NBA’s premier backup point guards in Tyus Jones. Jones has been the measure of consistency and efficiency, and he’s done so by leading the league in Assist-Turnover ratio. Jones might start on this rebuilding Wizards team barring any subsequent trades. The Wizards’ decision to move on from Porzingis comes after trading Bradley Beal, which also signifies the official start of their rebuild.
