Here's Why the Kristaps Porzingis-Marcus Smart Trade May Favor the Boston Celtics

In a blockbuster trade, the Boston Celtics are set to acquire Kristaps Porzingis, the 25th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, and a top-four protected 2024 first-round selection. In exchange, Boston’s front office is dealing Marcus Smart, Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala, and the 35th pick in tonight’s draft.

Though the departure of Smart is being met with mixed reactions from fans, this trade could be Brad Stevens’ latest success.

For the 2022-2023 season, Porzingis averaged 23.2 points and 8.4 rebounds over 32.6 minutes per game. The former All-Star also started 65 games this year, a personal-best since suffering an ACL injury in 2018.

If Porzingis’ durability upholds, which was proven in 2023, the 7-foot-3 big man will add substantial depth to Boston’s rotation, which was previously limited to Al Horford or Robert Williams III as the primary center.

The Celtics have lacked a top-option big man since Kevin Garnett, and the need for a dominant center would’ve grown if it was not addressed this offseason. At 36-years-old, Horford is reaching the twilight of his career, and Williams III, who missed the majority of last season, is drawing concerns of injury-proneness.

Regarding the other elements of their lineup, the Celtics have a plethora of guards who would make adequate starters.

Between Derrick White, Malcolm Brogdon, and, previously, Smart, there were debates over who should be incorporated into Boston’s starting lineup. Brogdon later went on to win the 2023 Sixth Man of the Year award.

Though the Celtics are going to lose various role players, including Smart, Gallinari, and Muscala, history has shown that championship teams typically comprise of a star-studded big three, usually including a productive center. For example, Boston’s recent era of success is associated with the core of Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen.

Some may perceive Smart’s run with the Celtics through rose colored glasses but, in terms of trade value, he was never hailed as an untouchable guard in the league. On the other hand, Porzingis’ recent performances align with that of a rejuvenated star.

In the worst case scenario, Boston's management deals with another Gordon Hayward-like fiasco, in which Porzingis suffers a season-ending injury in October. The difference, however, is that his contract expires in 2024 and the Celtics' long-term structure is built around Jayson Tatum and, tentatively, Jaylen Brown.

Only time will tell whether Tatum, Brown, and Porzingis become the NBA’s next great trio, but the pieces are in place for a successful season.

Further Reading

Celtics Acquire Kristaps Porzingis, Trade Marcus Smart to Grizzlies in Blockbuster Deal

Grant Williams Not Expected Back If Celtics Acquire Kristaps Porzingis

Marcus Smart Discusses Celtics' Identity, Relationship with Jaylen Brown, Boston's Coaching Hires, and Pursuit of Banner 18

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