Boston has just struck a blow on the market by recovering Kristaps Porzingis in exchange for one of the pillars of the group, Marcus Smart.
Due conference finalists, the Celtics were looking for reinforcements this offseason. It’s done with the arrival of Kristaps Porzingis from Washington. Initially, the trade planned to send Malcolm Brogdon to the Clippers, while Marcus Morris packed his bags for the capital. But, the state of health of Sixth Man of the Year ruined the deal. Boston therefore found another partner to complete the transaction. And it’s the Grizzlies who join the trade by welcoming the emblematic leader of the C’s, Marcus Smart. In the deal, Boston recovers the 25 pick from Memphis and a 2024 first round via the Warriors. In full reconstruction, the Wizards receive Daniel Gallinari, Mike Muscala, Tyus Jones and the Celtics’ pick 35.
Boston now has eight players under guaranteed contract and is already close to luxury tax. The mission of the general manager Brad Stevens to surround its core with role players therefore looks tricky. In addition, it will be necessary to observe how the group digests the departure of Marcus Smart, the pillar of the Celtic locker room. Present in the franchise since his draft in 2014, the back was the chief of defense of the backcourt. A role he will have to resume in Tennessee, while monitoring I Morant in his extra-sporting setbacks.
Author of his best career season with 23.2 points, Porzingis finally brings a real threat inside the C’s while being able to stretch the game thanks to his 3-point shooting (38.5% from behind the arc this season). An obvious fit for the coach Joe Mazzulla who will be able to align the Latvian on positions 4 or 5. Finally, on the Washington side, the big sell-off continues. The franchise could have lost Porzingis this summer for no consideration. In the deal, DC recovers a leader talent manager, Tyus Jones, who already duplicates Chris Paul. The management has certainly not finished animating the market.
2023-06-22 07:11:57
#Blockbuster #trade #Celtics #Grizzlies #Wizards
