The Boston Celtics officially announced the team’s acquisition of former All-Star Kristaps Porzingis in a press release late Thursday night. The club welcomed the new big man to the city and team while also saying thank you to outgoing point guard Marcus Smart, who is headed to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of an early offseason three-team trade.
In the deal, Boston acquired forward Kristaps Porzingis from the Washington Wizards, the No. 25 draft pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, and a future first-round pick from the Golden State Warriors by way of Memphis. Boston later flipped the No. 25 pick into Jordan Walsh and four future second round picks during the draft itself. To round out the trade, Washington received point guard Tyus Jones from Memphis, and forwards Danlio Gallinari, Mike Muscala, and the No. 35 overall pick from Boston.
Boston was quick to thank Marcus Smart for his service. Smart had been with the Celtics since 2014, earning three All-Defensive team honors and a Defensive Player of the Year award in that time. Celtics president Brad Stevens is quoted in the release offering gratitude for Smart.
“On behalf of everyone here, I would like to thank Marcus for his many contributions, both on and off the court, as a Celtic. The greatest legacy you can leave is to make a place better than you found it. We are all better for getting to compete with Marcus Smart these past nine years.” the release stated.
Stevens also spoke about welcoming Porzingis to Boston. The move is a major pivot point in his tenure as head of the team’s front office. Bringing in a player of this caliber is a big milestone.
“We are very happy to welcome Kristaps to Boston,” Stevens said. “He brings a skill set and ability to impact the game that not only fits the needs of our team, but is elite for his position and size. The ability to play to his strengths with any combination of players is unique.”
Boston is expected to host an introductory press conference for Porzingis sometime next week.
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