The Boston Celtics officially announced the team’s acquisition of former All-Star Kristaps Porzingis in a press release late Thursday night. The club welcomed the new big man to the city and team while also saying thank you to outgoing point guard Marcus Smart, who is headed to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a three-team trade.
In the deal, Boston acquired forward Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards, the No. 25 draft pick in the 2023 NBA draft, and a future first-round pick from the Golden State Warriors by way of Memphis. Boston later flipped the No. 25 pick into Jordan Walsh and four future second-round picks during the draft itself. To round out the trade, Washington received point guard Tyus Jones from Memphis, and forwards Danlio Gallinari, Mike Muscala, and the No. 35 overall pick from Boston.
Boston was quick to thank Marcus Smart for his service. Smart had been with the Celtics since 2014, earning three All-Defensive team honors and a Defensive Player of the Year award in that time. Celtics president Brad Stevens is quoted in the release offering gratitude for Smart.
What are NBA analysts saying about the deal from their points of view? Let’s take a look at the gamut. https://t.co/J5GQJYBQXX
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) June 23, 2023