Celtics Receive: Kristaps Porzingis (from Wizards), 2023 1st (No. 25) from Memphis, 2024 1st (from Memphis)
Grizzlies Receive: Marcus Smart (from Celtics)
Wizards Receive: Tyrus Jones (from Memphis), Danilo Gallinari (from Boston), Mike Muscala (from Boston), 2023 2nd (No. 35) from Boston
Much will be made about the 1st rounders that Memphis gave up to Boston but they’ll be late flyers and much less valuable than advertised. That being said, they’re nice to obtain along with KP for Boston who is simply shedding salary and a high second along with Smart. That wasn’t the original plan but a move to ship of Malcom Brogan appears to have fallen due to medical questions. This will probably cause hurt feelings but will give the Celtics more flexibility with aging Al Horford or often-injured Robert Williams in the future. KP is still only 27 and on an expiring $36m contract. Boston can see how he the roster fits this season before make further shake-ups (like Jaylen Brown) or offering an extension. Smart has $60m over the next three season on the books and gives the Grizzles Ja Morant coverage while he’s suspended for 25 games while suppling veteran leadership and good defense always. He’s what I refer to as a “fire hydrant” body. Despite his 6’4 stature he’s guarded all five positions in the NBA and difficult to move once his positioned in the pant while playing well on the perimeter. Tyrus jones has been an excellent reserve guard and is a nice consolation prize for the Wiz who wouldn’t have been able to resign KP on a flailing, rebuilding team. The Griz clearly saw moving Jones + picks for Smart as an upgrade at this time.
