Kristaps Porzingis Ends up in Boston, Marcus Smart Goes to Memphis

Kristaps Porzingis saga is over, as the Latvian center finally reached Boston after, but in a slightly modified trade than the originally planned one. In the end, the Memphis Grizzlies, the Washington Wizards, and the Boston Celtics executed this deal, which saw the Grizzlies getting Marcus Smart, the Wizards Tyus Jones, and the Celtics Porzingis. Numerous picks were involved in this exchange as well.

The Celtics will get the 25th selection from this year’s draft, which was Memphis, and the top-four protected pick from the 2024 Draft. On the other side, the Celtics are sending the 35th pick from tonight’s draft to Washington. The Cs are sending Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala to DC too.

At first, the LA Clippers were involved in the trade, where Cs should have denounced Malcolm Brogdon, but at some point, the negotiations fell through, and that’s when Boston raised the offer and included Memphis.

Washington is completing a three-way deal with Boston and Memphis that will send guard Tyus Jones to the Wizards, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/tQgoW60nQz

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2023

For many, they are giving away too much, but the front office decided to do something radical in order to make changes that would push the team forward. Porzingis has 28 years and is entering his prime. He posted 23.2 points, 8.4 boards, and 1.5 blocks throughout the previous year.

He had problems with injuries in the past, which is why many disapprove of this move. Porzingis was selected as the fourth pick at the 2016 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks. He also played for the Dallas Mavericks. With the Latvian on the court, the Celtics will have a completely different approach to the game, with other options in the attack and the defense.

On the other side, Marcus Smart heads for Memphis, a team that’s on the rise in the West. Taylor Jenkins lacked one experienced guard who could contribute on both ends of the floor. Smart was the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Since 2015 he’s been an integral part of the Cs’ lineup, playing 581 games for the franchise from Massachusetts.

No doubt he will be a great addition to the young Grizzlies team, who needs someone to calm them back or push them forward in certain moments.

Brad Stevens really landed Kristaps Porzingis and 2 first-round picks for Marcus Smart

Insane haul pic.twitter.com/OA2NikqCV1

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 22, 2023

Tyus Jones is an eight-year veteran who played for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Memphis Grizzlies. In 80 games last year, Jones had 10.3 points, 5.2 assists, and one steal per game. He will be a great asset for future trades the Wizards intend to make. They also have Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, plus numerous first and second-round picks.

The franchise from DC decided to move on from some of its top players, as they traded Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns a few days ago. They want to make a completely different roster, and thus make big decisions. One of them will be sorting out the situation with Kyle Kuzma, who declined his player option and became an unrestricted free agent.

For now, there isn’t an obvious winner in this trade, and time will show who benefited most from tonight’s deal.

The free agency is just started to heat up, which is why we advise you to stay tuned and follow us for the latest news.