Marcus Smart, a key figure and fan favorite on the Boston Celtics roster, was caught off guard when he found himself the subject of an unexpected trade deal to the Memphis Grizzlies. The 29-year-old guard, who was recently named the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, was left ruing his sudden departure from the Celtics.
The news came as a surprise, especially considering the assurances he had received about his position on the team. Smart had been informed just a week prior that he wasn't part of any ongoing trade discussions, which made the abrupt news of his exit all the more shocking.
The three-team trade deal saw Smart going to the Grizzlies, Kristaps Porzingis landing with the Celtics, and Tyus Jones moving to the Washington Wizards. The Wizards also received Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala, and the Celtics' 2023 second-round pick as part of the deal.
In addition to Porzingis, the Celtics managed to secure a 2023 first-round pick and a top-four protected 2024 first-round pick from the Golden State Warriors.
Smart, who had been the longest-serving member of the Celtics before the trade, voiced his feelings about his departure. While expressing appreciation for his time in Boston, he expressed disappointment over the way he discovered his fate.
"It was certainly a shock to discover it in the way I did, especially given the assurances I had received just a week before that there were no trade talks involving me," Smart shared with the press at the Dana Barros Basketball Club (via CLNS media).
Despite the sudden and unceremonious exit, Smart maintains a level of understanding for the business side of the game, but he indicated that he would have appreciated a little more courtesy.
Reflecting on his relationship with Brad Stevens, Celtics president of basketball operations, Smart revealed the emotional nature of their conversation about the trade.
"It was an emotional conversation with Brad, he was very emotional. There's undoubtedly a lot more to this story that can't be shared or won't be shared," Smart commented. "But despite everything, it's all love. We've had our ups and downs over the years, but the affection will always be there, and there are no hard feelings."
Even though Smart's departure from the Celtics was far from ideal, his focus now shifts to the next chapter of his career with the Grizzlies.
