In a blockbuster trade involving the Celtics, Wizards, and Grizzlies, Kristaps Porzingis, Marcus Smart, and Tyus Jones are the key players changing teams. The Washington Wizards continue their offseason of change by trading Porzingis to the Boston Celtics as part of a three-team deal.
Porzingis agreed to opt into his deal before being traded to Boston, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. As part of the trade, the Wizards receive Tyus Jones from the Memphis Grizzlies, as well as Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala from the Celtics.
The Grizzlies, on the other hand, acquire 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.
Here’s a breakdown of the trade:
Celtics receive:
Kristaps Porzingis (via Wizards)
No. 25 pick in the 2023 Draft (via Grizzlies)
2024 first-round pick (top-four protected, via Warriors)
Grizzlies receive:
Marcus Smart (via Celtics)
Wizards receive:
Tyus Jones (via Grizzlies)
Danilo Gallinari (via Celtics)
Mike Muscala (via Celtics)
No. 35 pick in the 2023 Draft (via Celtics)
During the previous season, Porzingis showcased his skills, averaging 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game in 32.6 minutes. He played in 65 games, displaying consistency and health after a series of injuries in the past few seasons.
Porzingis bid farewell to the Wizards organization, his teammates, and the fans through a Twitter message, expressing gratitude for the support and excitement for the next chapter of his career.
This trade involving Porzingis and the Celtics marked a shift from earlier reported talks involving the LA Clippers and Wizards. As Boston pivoted to the deal with Memphis, Porzingis became the fourth NBA team he has played for. He was initially drafted by the New York Knicks in 2015 before being traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2019. The Wizards acquired him from Dallas 16 months ago.
Porzingis will now join a talented core in Boston, featuring players like Malcolm Brogdon, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Robert Williams, and Al Horford, among others.
In terms of contracts, Tatum, aged 24, is signed for the next two seasons under his rookie extension. He won’t be eligible for a supermax extension until the summer of 2024, potentially worth more than $300 million. Brown, aged 26, is eligible for a new deal this offseason and, being selected to the All-NBA second team, could be offered a five-year contract extension worth up to $295 million.
The Celtics’ frontline for the upcoming season has been somewhat affected, with defensive specialist Grant Williams undergoing hand surgery. As a restricted free agent, Williams may leave the team, but his contributions during the regular season, including career-high averages in minutes, points, and rebounds, showcased his potential.
Marcus Smart, a nine-season veteran known for his tough defense and leadership, departs the Celtics after collecting accolades such as the 2022 Kia Defensive Player of the Year, NBA Hustle awards, and All-Defensive 1st Team honors. His departure leaves Derrick White and Malcolm Brogdon as top candidates to replace Smart.
Jones, highly regarded as one of the league’s best backups, had a career-best season in 2022-23, setting personal highs in points, assists, and minutes played. The move to the rebuilding Wizards offers him an opportunity to prove his readiness for a leading role.
Porzingis’ trade to Boston follows reports of a blockbuster deal sending Bradley Beal from the Wizards to the Phoenix Suns. In that trade, the Wizards would receive Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, Isaiah Todd, and multiple future second-round picks.
Additionally, Washington forward Kyle Kuzma has reportedly opted out of his deal and may depart via free agency.
Gallinari, who missed the entire previous season due to injury, brings his scoring ability and outside shooting to the Wizards’ frontcourt, which already includes Corey Kispert, Deni Avdija, and Daniel Gafford. In his last healthy season with the Atlanta Hawks, Gallinari averaged 11.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. Muscala, who was traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Celtics last season, contributed 5.9 points and 3.4 rebounds in 20 games but saw reduced playing time during the playoffs.
With the firing of GM Tommy Sheppard and the hiring of Michael Winger as President of Monumental Basketball, the Wizards have undergone significant changes this offseason. They aim to improve their playoff fortunes after two consecutive seasons of missing the playoffs and failing to advance past the first round since 2016-17.
As a result of this trade, the Wizards now hold four picks in the 2023 NBA Draft: No. 8, No. 35, No. 42, and No. 57.
The trade involving Kristaps Porzingis, Marcus Smart, and Tyus Jones represents a significant shake-up for all three teams involved. The Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards, and Memphis Grizzlies have each made moves to address their respective roster needs and strategic goals.
For the Celtics, acquiring Porzingis adds another dynamic player to their talented core. Alongside Malcolm Brogdon, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Robert Williams, and Al Horford, Boston now boasts a formidable lineup with a mix of scoring, playmaking, and defensive prowess. Porzingis brings versatility to the frontcourt, with his ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim. His scoring prowess, rebounding skills, and shot-blocking ability make him a valuable addition to the Celtics’ roster.
In exchange for Porzingis, the Wizards receive Tyus Jones from the Grizzlies, as well as Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala from the Celtics. Jones, known for his steady play and ability to run the offense efficiently, will provide stability at the point guard position. Gallinari, once healthy, brings scoring and outside shooting to the Wizards’ frontcourt. Muscala, although falling out of the Celtics’ rotation during the playoffs, offers depth and experience in the frontcourt.
The Grizzlies, in acquiring Marcus Smart from the Celtics, gain a tenacious defender and experienced leader. Smart’s defensive prowess, as evidenced by his accolades, will further bolster the Grizzlies’ identity as a tough defensive team. His playoff experience and versatility in the backcourt will prove valuable, especially during Ja Morant’s suspension to start the season.
In terms of draft picks, the Celtics receive the No. 25 pick in the 2023 Draft from the Grizzlies, as well as a 2024 first-round pick (top-four protected) via the Golden State Warriors. These additional assets provide Boston with future opportunities to strengthen their roster through the draft.
The trade not only impacts the teams involved but also sets the stage for further moves and developments in the NBA landscape. The Wizards’ trade of Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns, the potential departure of Kyle Kuzma, and the Celtics’ frontline situation are additional storylines that will shape the upcoming season.
Overall, this blockbuster trade demonstrates the teams’ commitment to strategic restructuring and sets the foundation for an exciting and competitive NBA season ahead.