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As part of this trade, the Grizzlies are sending their 25th overall pick in the upcoming draft and the top-four-protected first-round pick from the Golden State Warriors in 2024 to the Celtics. In return, the Celtics are sending the 35th pick in the draft to the Wizards. Additionally, the Celtics are trading forward Danilo Gallinari and center Mike Muscala to the Wizards, making the deal even more intriguing.
The completion of this three-team trade came down to the wire, just moments before the midnight ET deadline for Porzingis to make a decision on his player option for the 2023-24 season. Sources reveal that Porzingis has indeed opted in after the deal was finalized, securing his future with the Celtics.
It's important to note that earlier in the day, the Celtics and Wizards were engaged in negotiations over a potential trade involving Porzingis. Initially, the LA Clippers were also involved, aiming to acquire Malcolm Brogdon. However, when that deal fell through, the Celtics turned their attention to the Grizzlies, resulting in this exciting trade just before the deadline.
This trade marks a significant transformation for the Celtics, as it will bring about a new look and feel to their team. Fans and basketball enthusiasts alike will be eagerly awaiting how these changes will impact the upcoming season.
In a thrilling move, Kristaps Porzingis is set to join the Boston Celtics as he celebrates his 28th birthday on August 2. Porzingis had an outstanding season with the Washington Wizards, showcasing his skills by averaging a career-high 23.2 points, along with 8.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.5 blocks in 65 games. The Wizards acquired Porzingis from the Dallas Mavericks during the 2022 trade deadline, exchanging Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans.
Now, Porzingis is headed to Boston, where the Celtics are eager to revamp their roster and make a strong push for their 18th NBA championship in the upcoming season. Porzingis's arrival brings an entirely new offensive dimension to the team, complementing stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Furthermore, the Celtics secured two valuable first-round selections as part of the trade.
This acquisition is just the beginning of a series of important decisions for the Celtics this summer. They have the opportunity to offer a five-year, $295 million contract extension to All-Star forward Jaylen Brown, and they need to address the future of restricted free agent forward Grant Williams.
Adjusting to life without Marcus Smart will be a challenge for the Celtics. Smart has been the heart and soul of the team for nine years, making him the longest-tenured player on the current roster. Known as one of the league's top perimeter defenders, he even won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022. Smart's exceptional qualities are precisely what the Memphis Grizzlies are seeking as they aim to bounce back from last year's early playoff exit against the Los Angeles Lakers. With his career-high 6.3 assists per game last season, Smart is more than capable of stepping into the starting point guard role for Memphis, especially during Ja Morant's 25-game suspension at the beginning of the season.
Originally expected to fill in for Morant, Tyus Jones will now assume the role of starting point guard for the Washington Wizards. The team's new president of basketball operations, Michael Winger, continues to reshape the roster, making strategic moves to strengthen the team
The Wizards have been actively involved in the trade market recently. Just days before this trade, they completed a blockbuster deal with the Phoenix Suns, sending Bradley Beal in exchange for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, multiple second-round picks, and first-round pick swaps.
In other news, Washington forward Kyle Kuzma, a highly intriguing free agent this summer, has declined his player option and will become an unrestricted free agent, creating further buzz in the offseason.
Exciting times lie ahead as these trade moves shape the future of the teams involved. Fans can't wait to see how these new dynamics unfold on the court in the upcoming season.