Marcus Smart was traded by the Boston Celtics for Kristaps Porzingis, in one of the team’s more unexpected personnel changes of the season. Because it was such a radical decision, many observers and supporters at first failed to see its intended course of action. Nobody, however, was as taken aback as Marcus Smart, who disclosed that after the Celtics had informed him they wouldn’t sell him, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year only learned of the move on Twitter.

After inquiring several times, I was informed that everything was fine. As in, “I’m hearing rumors; what’s the deal?” “No, you’re good, you’re good, you’re good,” is what they say. The Athletic claimed that Smart stated, “And then when I do hear about the trade, it’s from Shams (Charania) on Twitter before I hear from the team.”

Wise wants to be appreciated where he is.
The Celtics placed a higher priority on front-court offensive output than perimeter defense and the team’s spirit when they traded for Porzingis in place of Smart, at least until they signed Jrue Holiday three months later. As the team’s point guard last season, Smart averaged 11.5 points and 6.3 assists. He interpreted that as a hint that Boston no longer respected his contributions.

“You always want to be where others want you to be, and the gold on one team could be trash on another. Thus, I’m happy to be here,” Smart continued. “I am happy to be part of an organization that values and wants me.” I’m thrilled and eager to start working now.

Both of them had been together since the club selected Smart sixth overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, so that breakup was quite difficult. The three-time all-defensive team winner became into a well-known franchise figure as the years went by, steering the group through its highs and lows. From now on, Smart will represent the Memphis Grizzlies in this capacity.

Smart was aware that he would eventually be traded.
Smart always felt he would be traded, but not this early in the offseason, as he still had three years left on his deal (including this season). He acknowledges that he’s more disappointed in the way the trade went through than he is in the prospect of getting traded to a different team for basketball purposes.

To be really honest, I figured I would be traded at some point, Smart admitted. “Based only on my contract and the new CBA, I assumed it would be the next season.” That was already known to us. However, that was precisely how things transpired.

The Celtics took a huge gamble by sacrificing the essence of their group in order to advance strategically. It remains to be seen if this is the move that will ultimately help them overcome this obstacle or if it will cause them to retrace their steps and come to regret one of the most important choices they’ve made in the last few years.