While Smart’s game would elevate in the postseason, there was enough inconsistency, especially in crunch time, that cast enough doubt on his fit with Tatum and Brown. Stevens likely wanted to find the best deal to strike as soon as possible and obtain suitable value for a player who still can contribute. Smart has three years left on his contract, and his trade value is at its highest. He’s been able to battle through them, but there might come a time when he’s unable to play the style of basketball he’s respected for. Smart will enter his age-30 season, and he has dealt with his fair share of injuries throughout his career. The Green will lose his toughness and his dedication to the C’s, but this offseason might have been the right time to move on. Isaiah Thomas and Kyrie Irving came and went, but Smart was the constant and became the emotional leader and heartbeat of the Celtics, which endeared him to Boston fans. The veteran was a bridge from the end of the “Big Three” era to the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown duo. Smart’s departure signals an endorsement of Derrick White, who took a massive leap in his second season in Boston, and an end of a nine-year tenure with the Celtics for Smart. Porzingis should provide more depth at the center position, along with a similarly injury-prone Robert Williams III and a 37-year-old Al Horford. Reports leading up to the deal that came around midnight Eastern time had Malcolm Brogdon in the trade, but the Los Angeles Clippers were worried about the veteran’s health and backed away, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. The Celtics reportedly made a huge change to their roster, which might come down as a defining moment in Brad Stevens’ tenure as president of basketball operations.īoston acquired Kristaps Porzingis and two first-round picks in a three-team deal that also sent Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Sox Transactions, Trades, and Free Agents. Did Celtics Make Right Decision To Move On From Marcus Smart?
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