Celtics
"It was a great trade, business-wise."
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart dives for a loose ball. Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP Photo
A year and a half later, Marcus Smart still views the trade that sent him from the Celtics to the Grizzlies through the same lens.
“It was a great trade, business-wise,” Smart told reporters ahead of Saturday’s Grizzlies-Celtics game. “Just wish, you know, would have went about it a little bit differently, just letting me know. That way I wasn’t just blindsided, and I could have prepared for it and got my family ready.”
The Celtics were able to acquire Kristaps Porzingis as part of the pivotal three-team deal, which helped vault them over the top to capture their first championship since 2008.
Asked Smart how he looks at the trade now that time has passed. It hasn’t changed, he said: “Great trade, business-wise, just wish they would’ve went about it a little differently, letting me know.” pic.twitter.com/OXmgU7KJYH
— Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) December 7, 2024
Smart reiterated that he “would have made the move” himself, and he thinks “anybody probably would have.” He said he tips his cap to the Celtics organization.
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“I’m very happy for them,” Smart said. “I’m proud that they were able to go and win it.”
Smart said he’s put the work in with the Celtics, and he knows what they sacrificed to get to this point.
Marcus Smart says he is good to go tonight for his return to Boston and his ankle feels good. Naturally, he said this with blood on his shirt after taking a shiner to the eye at practice.
“I got headbutted, but the other guy looks worse than me.”
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) December 7, 2024
“I’m proud to see those guys finally get what they deserve,” Smart said.
Smart didn’t play when the Grizzlies came to Boston last year. He’s expected to do so Saturday night, for the first time as a visitor at TD Garden.
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