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Celtics Acquire Kristaps Porzingis, Trade Marcus Smart to Grizzlies in Blockbuster Deal
The Celtics' pursuit of Kristaps Porzingis started with a potential three-team deal that would've sent Malcolm Brogdon to the Clippers. It ended with the former All-Star center coming to Boston and trading the longest-tenured player on the team.
After Los Angeles backed out due to concerns about the reigning Sixth Man of the Year's forearm strain, which may require surgery, the C's and Wizards had to pivot.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, that led to the Grizzlies getting involved. Memphis is sending point guard Tyus Jones to Washington and the 25th pick in Thursday's draft, plus a top-four protected 2024 first-round selection via the Warriors to Boston.
The Celtics are trading Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies and the 35th pick in the upcoming draft, Danilo Gallinari, and Mike Muscala to the nation's capital.
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Boston made the playoffs throughout Smart's nine-year tenure, including five trips to the Eastern Conference Finals and coming within two wins of a title. He has been the heart and soul of the team.
In a recent, wide-ranging interview with Inside The Celtics, he conveyed the following to this author about his approach to the game.
"I've always played the game of basketball the same way, leaving it all out on the court each and every time I play because you never know when it's your last time playing. My mom instilled that in me at a young age. It has gotten me this far, so I won't be changing that now.
"My teammates feed off my energy. As the longest-tenured Celtic, I feel like it's my responsibility to continue to play "Celtics basketball." Continue to get my rehab each and every day, eat healthily and strive for greatness."
Smart finally got the chance to be the franchise's floor general in 2021-22, responding with the best season of his career, including winning Defensive Player of the Year.
But the coaching change and injuries made for a bumpier ride this season. Both represented valid concerns to have about Boston moving forward with him.
Rather than watch a deal for Porzingis disintegrate, the Celtics decided it was worth that sacrifice while adding draft capital.
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The former fourth-overall pick is coming off a campaign where he averaged a career-high 23.2 points, grabbed 8.4 rebounds, and dished out 2.7 assists in 32.6 minutes per game.
He also nearly made it into the elusive 50/40/90 club. Porzingis shot 49.8 percent from the field, drilled 38.5 percent of his 5.5 three-point attempts, and converted on 85.1 percent of his 6.4 free throws. He gives Boston more offensive firepower than Robert Williams or Al Horford.
Furthermore, according to NBA.com, he knocked down 39.3 percent of his 4.7 catch-and-shoot three-point attempts last season. Save for struggles in his 34 games with the Mavericks in 2021-22, the Latvian native capitalized on at least 36 percent of such opportunities. That's encouraging since most of his shots with the Celtics will be of that nature.
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Porzingis is also an impactful defender that's effective in drop coverage. His blocks don't fully capture that, but he swatted 1.5 shots per contest last season and averages just under two per game for his career.
The seven-foot-three center can pair well with Horford and Williams at both ends of the floor.
While he's exercising a $36 million player option that helps facilitate this trade, he's extension eligible starting in July. It'll be interesting to see if that happens. Considering Boston was willing to part with Smart to acquire Porzingis, it won't be surprising if that takes place.
Further Reading
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Celtics in 'Strong Talks' to Acquire Kristaps Porzingis
Celtics Add Former Teammate of Jayson Tatum to Coaching Staff
Scouting Report on Prospects Celtics Could Draft with No. 35 Pick: Marcus Sasser
Scouting Report on Prospects Celtics Could Draft with No. 35 Pick: Julian Strawther
Scouting Report on Prospects Celtics Could Draft with No. 35 Pick: Jordan Walsh
Rick Barry Says Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown Suffer From “Westbrook Syndrome”
Rick Barry Discusses Nearly Joining Celtics, Shares His Perspective on Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson
