Blockbuster NBA Trade: Porzingis Joins Celtics, Smart To Grizzlies In Three-Team Deal
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| Photo: Instagram/Kristaps Porzingis |
According to reports, a three-team trade involving the Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Memphis Grizzlies will see Kristaps Porzingis and Marcus Smart as the key players being exchanged.
The deal signifies another change for the Washington Wizards in their ongoing offseason shake-up. The trade will see Porzingis move to the Celtics after agreeing to opt into his current deal.
As part of the agreement, the Wizards will acquire Tyus Jones from the Grizzlies, as well as Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala from the Celtics. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, will receive Marcus Smart from the Celtics and will send their 25th pick in the upcoming draft, along with a 2024 first-round pick via the Golden State Warriors, to the Celtics.
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| Photo: Instagram/Kristaps Porzingis |
The Celtics will gain Porzingis, who had an impressive performance last season, averaging 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game. In Boston, Porzingis will join a talented core that includes All-NBA players Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, as well as center Robert Williams.
Tatum, at 24 years old, is signed for the next two seasons and is eligible for a supermax extension starting in 2025-26. Brown, 26, is eligible for a contract extension this offseason and could be offered a five-year deal worth up to $295 million due to his All-NBA second team selection.
The trade comes at a time when the Celtics' frontline is already experiencing some thinning, with Grant Williams undergoing surgery for a torn ligament in his left hand and becoming a restricted free agent. Meanwhile, Marcus Smart, known for his tough defense and leadership, has spent his entire nine-year NBA career with the Celtics.
The move to the Grizzlies provides Smart with an opportunity to contribute to the team while Ja Morant serves a 25-game suspension at the beginning of the season. Tyus Jones, a highly regarded backup point guard, will now join the rebuilding Washington team and will have a chance to showcase his skills in a more prominent role.
The trade involving Porzingis must be finalized by June 29, the opt-in deadline for the upcoming season. This trade follows another reported blockbuster deal for the Wizards, which will see Bradley Beal going to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, Isaiah Todd, and multiple future second-round picks.
With the departure of Porzingis, and the potential departure of Kyle Kuzma via free agency, Marcus Smart is likely to play a significant role in the Wizards' forward lineup alongside Corey Kispert and Deni Avdija. The Wizards have made changes to their front office, firing GM Tommy Sheppard and hiring Michael Winger as the President of Monumental Basketball.
The team, which last won an NBA championship in 1978, has missed the playoffs for the past two seasons and has not progressed beyond the first round since 2016-17. In the upcoming 2023 NBA Draft, the Wizards hold the 8th, 42nd, and 57th overall picks.
Read Next: Kyle Kuzma Opts Out of Wizards Deal, Enters Free Agency As Scoring Streak Continues
Source: NBA
Tatum, at 24 years old, is signed for the next two seasons and is eligible for a supermax extension starting in 2025-26. Brown, 26, is eligible for a contract extension this offseason and could be offered a five-year deal worth up to $295 million due to his All-NBA second team selection.
The trade comes at a time when the Celtics' frontline is already experiencing some thinning, with Grant Williams undergoing surgery for a torn ligament in his left hand and becoming a restricted free agent. Meanwhile, Marcus Smart, known for his tough defense and leadership, has spent his entire nine-year NBA career with the Celtics.
The move to the Grizzlies provides Smart with an opportunity to contribute to the team while Ja Morant serves a 25-game suspension at the beginning of the season. Tyus Jones, a highly regarded backup point guard, will now join the rebuilding Washington team and will have a chance to showcase his skills in a more prominent role.
The trade involving Porzingis must be finalized by June 29, the opt-in deadline for the upcoming season. This trade follows another reported blockbuster deal for the Wizards, which will see Bradley Beal going to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, Isaiah Todd, and multiple future second-round picks.
With the departure of Porzingis, and the potential departure of Kyle Kuzma via free agency, Marcus Smart is likely to play a significant role in the Wizards' forward lineup alongside Corey Kispert and Deni Avdija. The Wizards have made changes to their front office, firing GM Tommy Sheppard and hiring Michael Winger as the President of Monumental Basketball.
The team, which last won an NBA championship in 1978, has missed the playoffs for the past two seasons and has not progressed beyond the first round since 2016-17. In the upcoming 2023 NBA Draft, the Wizards hold the 8th, 42nd, and 57th overall picks.
Read Next: Kyle Kuzma Opts Out of Wizards Deal, Enters Free Agency As Scoring Streak Continues
Source: NBA
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