The Washington Wizards continue their roster reconstruction as they part ways with Kristaps Porzingis in a three-team trade with the Boston Celtics and Memphis Grizzlies. This deal brings notable changes to all three teams involved, with the Celtics gaining a skilled big man while the Wizards embark on a rebuilding phase.

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The Boston Celtics have made a major trade that will bring center Kristaps Porzingis to the team. The trade, which was reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, also involves the Washington Wizards and the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team deal. As part of the trade, the Celtics will send Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies, while the Wizards will receive Tyus Jones from the Grizzlies, as well as Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala, and a second-round pick from the Celtics.

The Celtics benefit from this deal because it allows them to get Porzingis, who had a tremendous season with the Wizards. The Celtics had been in trade talks with the Washington Wizards and the Los Angeles Clippers, but those talks fell through. To make the deal work, Porzingis has to exercise his player option for the 2023–24 season, which is worth $36 million. Despite the opportunity to reach free agency, Porzingis decided to join a championship-caliber club.

Smart, who was named the Defensive Player of the Year for the 2021–22 season, will provide the Grizzlies with strong defense and veteran leadership. He will also be able to start at point guard while Ja Morant serves a 25-game suspension. The trade is part of the Wizards’ ongoing roster changes as they prepare for a rebuild. They recently traded Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns and could potentially trade Chris Paul, whom they acquired in the Beal deal.

In addition to Porzingis, the Celtics will receive first-round picks in 2023 and 2024 from the Grizzlies, which will give them earlier selections in the upcoming NBA Draft. This trade marks a significant shift for the Celtics, who are looking to strengthen their roster alongside stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. However, they will have to adjust to the absence of Smart, who has been a key player and a defensive stalwart for the team.

For the Grizzlies, acquiring Smart provides them with a valuable player known for his defensive skills and playmaking ability. Smart’s presence will help the team navigate the absence of Morant during his suspension. The Wizards, on the other hand, will benefit from the addition of Tyus Jones and the veteran experience of Gallinari and Muscala.

The trade deadline for Porzingis to exercise his player option was approaching, and the deal was finalized just before the deadline. Porzingis had an impressive season with the Wizards, averaging career-high numbers in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks. Now, he will join the Celtics’ talented core and provide an additional offensive dimension to the team.

This trade is just one of the important decisions the Celtics will face this offseason. They have the opportunity to offer a contract extension to Jaylen Brown, and they will need to address the future of restricted free agent Grant Williams. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies will rely on Smart’s skills and leadership as they aim to improve upon their performance from last season, and the Wizards continue to reshape their roster under the leadership of new president of basketball operations Michael Winger.

Overall, this trade has significant implications for all three teams involved and sets the stage for potential roster changes and improvements as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season.

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