Marcus Smart Deal For Kristaps Porzingis In Celtics' Blockbuster Trade: Reports

BOSTON, MA — The Boston Celtics are reportedly part of a blockbuster three-team deal that would send Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies and bring in Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted: "The Boston Celtics are finalizing a deal to acquire the Washington Wizards’ Kristaps Porzingis, sources tell ESPN. Porzingis is opting into his $36M contract for 2023-2024 and getting his trade to the Celtics."

The Wizards would receive Tyus Jones from the Grizzlies and Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala from the Celtics. The Grizzlies would receive Marcus Smart from the Celtics while sending their 25th pick in this year’s draft and a 2024 first-round pick via the Golden State Warriors to the Celtics, according to NBA.com.

Smart, 29, has played all nine of his seasons in the NBA with the Celtics. He's built a reputation for his defense, earning a 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Award and three All-Defensive 1st Team spots. He's also won the NBA Hustle Award three times.

The Grizzlies targeted Smart to bring in his "veteran toughness, his experience in the postseason, his leadership," Wojnarowski said on ESPN. Smart is expected to fill in for Memphis start Ja Morant, who will serve a 25-game suspension in the upcoming season.

Meanwhile, Prozingis, a 7'3" center, will join his fourth team. Porzingis was drafted by the New York Knicks in 2015 and was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2019. The Wizards acquired Porzingis from the Mavericks 16 months ago, according to NBA.com.

Last year, Porzingis averaged more than 23 points and 8 rebounds per game. He has struggled with injuries in recent seasons but played in 66 games last year.

The Celtics were reportedly seeking to use their depth at guard to address other weaknesses on the roster, according to Yahoo Sports. With Smart gone, the Celtics still have quality point guars including Malcolm Brogdon and Derrick White.

Porzingis has opted into the final year of his contract as part of the trade, meaning he will be paid $36 million this season. He'll be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2024.