Celtics looks even better in Marcus Smart Trade after the NBA trade deadline

Celtics took a big risk last summer and they continued to reap the benefits after Thursday’s NBA trading deadline.

Boston traded Marcus Smart to Memphis Grizzlies as part of a three-team trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis from Washington Wizards to the C’s. This deal began an important season for Celtics, which led to the won the franchise’s 18th NBA championship.

Ironically, Grizzlies and Wizards were in business minutes before the trading deadline when Memphis traded smartly to Washington as part of a three-team agreement. Grizzlies were forced to handle a first round in 2025 and only got Marvin Bagley III, Johnny Davis and several choices in the second round.

In justice to Memphis, the deal helped it relieve Smart’s contract; The veteran was set to earn over 20 million dollars this year and next year. The reported trade helps it sign Jaren Jackson Jr. And allows it to sign a player who can better help them compete in the Western conference.

However, it is not difficult to see Thursday’s reported trade as a big victory for president of basketball operations Brad Stevens. Not only did Celtics won the trade by acquiring players who helped them win a title, but they also won by separating ways with smart at the right time.

Smart was a non-factor for grizzlies primarily due to injuries. The offering and forces 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year gave Boston for nine years seem to have finally caught smartly. The guard’s only value for Memphis was as a veteran leader, but his contract just not justified him. It gives players like Rookie Jaylen Wells the opportunity to continue to make an impact and give a potentially recurring Vince Williams Jr. to regain a place in the rotation.

It could have hurt the fans’ hearts, but Celtics was smart to share ways with smart when they did, nor do not allow a win-win trade at the other end of the deal.