The Boston Celtics wasted no time after being ousted in the Eastern Conference Finals in seven games by the Miami Heat, as Brad Stevens and company began the offseason with a roster revamp plan to take the next step.
Unfortunately for Marcus Smart, the Celtics preferred to bring in another talented scorer with size than a defensive-minded guard, which could be a downside to his NBA career.
Although the Celtics first tried to move the injured Malcolm Brogdon in exchange for star forward Kristaps Porzingis, the deal was reworked due to concerns over Brogdon’s health, resulting in Smart being sent to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Along with Smart being overlooked for the trade, there has also been talk of some rift between him and Jaylen Brown, but he set the record straight after the rumor spread via Celtics reporter Josu Pavone.
TODAY spoke to Marcus Smart and he wanted to make one thing absolutely clear: there is no bad blood between him and Jaylen Brown.
“Jason and Jaylen are my brothers for life and I don’t think what people see is really enough of our relationship. We’ve been through a lot together… (1/2)
— Josu Pavone (@Joe_Sway) 2 July 2023
Although Smart was devastated by the trade and will obviously miss Brown and Jayson Tatum, with whom he has been teammates since he was drafted, he is going into Memphis in a potentially good position. Are.
Even though superstar guard Ja Morant will serve a 25-game suspension to begin next season, the Grizzlies are still considered a force in the Western Conference and will need Smart more than ever as the 2023-24 campaign begins. Will be
As for Brown, the Celtics star is likely to get paid this summer as he is now eligible for a supermax contract extension due to make the All-NBA team, which means he may not be going anywhere anytime soon. Is.
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The Celtics Reportedly Told Marcus Smart He Was ‘Safe’ A Week Before Trading Him