The Kristaps Porzingis trade saga has finally ended, as the Celtics have finally traded for the Latvian seven-footer, but gave up a key piece of their roster in the process. The initial trade saw Boston sending Malcolm Brogdon to the Clippers, but the Clips declined due to Brogdon’s injury history.
The Grizzlies joined the trade and acquired Marcus Smart while sending Tyus Jones to the Wizards in this three-team deal that will have a major impact on two contenders in the NBA.
The Celtics are trading Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies as part of deal, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2023
The Grizz will be sending the 25th pick in the 2023 Draft and a Warriors’ first-round pick in 2024 to the Celtics for the services of the former DPOY. The Wizards receive Tyus Jones, who could be traded for more assets given his high standing in the league as one of the best backup guards in the NBA.
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
Porzingis finally gets to go to the Celtics and will be on an expiring contract, putting the pressure on him to deliver to secure a long-term deal next offseason.
How Does This Trade Work Out For Everyone Involved?
The Celtics would’ve preferred to keep Smart over Brogdon, but clearly needed to make a major needle-moving move in a conference that has a lot of elite big men playing. Porzingis has great defensive instincts and the kind of offensive versatility that fits in Boston. Hopefully, he can be more of a team player now after openly regretting not accommodating his style to a contending situation in Dallas in 2022.
The Grizzlies will be without Ja Morant for 25 games due to his suspension and need someone to step into that role in his absence. Tyus was a strong option, given the success he’s had in that role for a couple of seasons, but Smart is an upgrade. He fits into Memphis’ defensive system really well too. Smart is also a very good veteran for this young team that’s been aching for some guidance in the locker room.
The Wizards are just dumping the Porzingis contract for minimal value, as the star could’ve left in free agency anyway. Getting Tyus Jones is a plus for them, as he can run the show for them if the team needs it, or they can trade him away for even more assets.
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