The Boston Celtics made a huge move this week by trading away guard Marcus Smart, Danilo Gallinari, and two other players in a three-team trade that landed them big man Kristaps Porzingis.
On paper, it’s an intriguing trade, as Porzingis is a definite All-Star level player and one of the NBA’s best big men — when healthy.
But Porzingis’ recurring injury problems over the years make this a risky trade for Boston.
In addition, Smart, who won last season’s Defensive Player of the Year award, is a defensive menace and, in some ways, he was the heart and soul of the Celtics.
Brad Stevens, the former Celtics head coach who is now an executive in their front office, said that Jayson Tatum and Al Horford, among others, can fill the leadership void created by Smart’s departure to the Memphis Grizzlies.
When asked about the leadership void after trading Marcus Smart, Brad Stevens praised Tatum and Horford among others & said, “We have a number of people who have been filling that void with Marcus and they’ll just have to be better.”
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) June 23, 2023
Without Smart, the Celtics will presumably move Malcolm Brogdon, who just won the Sixth Man of the Year award, into the starting lineup.
Their starting lineup, which will now presumably feature Brogdon, Tatum, Porzingis, and Jaylen Brown, will be among the most talented and impressive in the NBA.
However, this trade will also leave them with the type of depth that is needed to win championships.
Smart has been a full-time starter for Boston over the last five seasons, and although he is an inefficient offensive player, he has grown into a capable facilitator on the side.
He will now give the Grizzlies a fearsome guard trio alongside Ja Morant and Desmond Bane.
NEXT:
Marcus Smart Sends A Heartfelt Message To Boston Fans