"All good things must come to an end."
Marcus Smart's time with the Boston Celtics is officially over after he was shipped to the Memphis Grizzlies while his former team received Kristaps Porzingis.
The trade shocked many Celtics supporters as Smart had been an integral part of the team since its rebuilding up to when it contended for the NBA title.
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Team president Brad Stevens was saddened by the decision to let go of the former Defensive Player of the Year and described it as a 'difficult conversation.'
"We're all really grateful to have had Marcus in our life for as long as we've had and are sad to see him go but know that he's gonna have a huge impact on a really good Memphis team," Stevens said.
"So very difficult, very difficult conversations, really hard to do. But he'll always have Boston for sure. I think Boston really appreciates him, and certainly, I do, and he knows we'll do anything for him."
Stevens also explained that the move was meant for the team to improve, and Porzingis can beef up a lacking frontline.
Recent trade a win in the long run
Stevens had high praises for Porzingis, who they acquired through this trade from the Washington Wizards.
While the 7'3 versatile Latvian is an immediate answer for the Celts, the latest wheeling and dealing also gave the team several more assets for future use.
They also got the no. 38 pick from the 2023 NBA draft and used it to select Jordan Walsh. They also now have the second-round picks from the Dallas Mavericks in 2024, one of the Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, or the Wizards in 2025, and 2027 from Atlanta Hawks.
Related article: Marcus Smart Pays Emotional Tribute to Boston Celtics
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