According to sources speaking to ESPN, the Memphis Grizzlies have successfully acquired Marcus Smart from the Boston Celtics as part of a three-team trade that also included the Dallas Mavericks.
In exchange for Kristaps Porzingis, the Mavericks will get Tyus Jones, a future first-round selection, and monetary considerations from the Grizzlies. Kristaps Porzingis will then be traded to the Celtics.
Smart is a three-time All-Defensive First Team selection and is considered one of the best defensive guards in the NBA. He averaged 12.1 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game last season for the Celtics.
Last year, while playing for the Mavericks, Porzingis had 19.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game on average. He has a height of seven feet. He was selected as the fourth overall player in the 2015 NBA Draft and has already won two All-Star games.
Jones is a point guard for the Grizzlies and is 27 years old. He finished the 2017–2018 season with an average of 12.2 points and 6.6 assists per game. He was chosen for the All-Rookie Second Team in both of his seasons as a rookie.
The move will have a significant impact on all three clubs involved. In Marcus Smart, the Grizzlies have acquired a proven All-Star player who will assist them in strengthening their defense.
Porzingis, a young big with promise, is being traded to the Mavericks by the Celtics in exchange for a future first-round selection. The Celtics are also getting rid of Smart’s contract in the process.
Here are some additional details about the trade:
- The Grizzlies will send Jones, a future first-round pick, and cash considerations to the Mavericks.
- The Mavericks will send Porzingis to the Celtics.
- The Celtics will send Smart to the Grizzlies.
- The trade is still pending league approval.