The NBA offseason has changed the dynamics for many. While homes for James Harden and Damian Lillard are yet to be decided, other instrumental players are ready to rep new jerseys. In a shocking move, Boston Celtics traded Marcus Smart to Ja Morant and Memphis Grizzlies this summer. He recently shook hands with Boston on a max 4-year $76,487,996 contract.

Celtics, along with the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies, completed a three-team trade. In the deal, Boston gained the former All-Star power forward Kristaps Porzingis. Over his 9-year tenure in Boston, Smart made significant differences in elevating the Celtics’ caliber.?

Smart was one of the core pieces of Boston. Despite his scoring prowess resting below Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Marcus is a defensive unit. His timely contributions have served as pivotal moments for several victories. He frequently dives for loose balls, maintains a physical style of play, and has shown improvement as a ball facilitator.

Jayson Tatum shares honest thoughts on Marcus Smart’s trade

As the 2023-24 season commences, Jayson Tatum will experience his initial NBA season without Marcus Smart. During a visit to Memphis, Tatum participated in his inaugural golf pro-am. In a?conversation with Mark Giannotto from The Memphis Commercial Appeal, Tatum discussed the qualities the Grizzlies gain with Smart.

?They?re getting a leader?,?Tatum said.??They?re getting a guy who?s a winner, who?s been to the playoffs every year. We?ve been to the Finals together. Obviously, so he knows what it takes to get there. Obviously extremely talented, the best defender in the league. He?s just a guy that you love to have on your team?, he continued.

Tatum also expressed his good wishes for Smart’s future endeavors.?“It’s a bit sad to see him leave, but I’m genuinely happy for him to have a fresh beginning and curious to witness his upcoming achievements,”?he said.

The Grizzlies have designated Smart to serve as their primary starting point guard. With Ja Morant suspended for the first 25 games, he will assertively take the lead. As Smart departs the Celtics, Derrick White assumes the team’s starting point guard role.

Marcus Smart addresses Celtics fans before joining Ja Morant

Upon learning about Marcus Smart’s trade, Boston Celtics fans, as predicted, displayed dissatisfaction. In his introductory press conference, Smart acknowledged the strong fan response to his departure from the Celtics.

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?The fan reaction in the city of Boston was exactly what I expect it to be and what anybody who?s played in Boston would expect it to be. It?s all love. They ride for this city hard, man,? Smart praised the fans. ?That?s how it should be. You?re supposed to ride for your city like that, so it?s all love. I wasn?t surprised by that,? he added. Smart then proceeded to talk about his expected plans with Grizzlies.

Smart was the longest-tenured Celtics player before his departure. He began his NBA career with Boston Celtics in 2014. His fierce defensive play left an indelible mark on fans. Ever since, he is known to set the tone whenever he steps on the court.

Throughout Smart’s tenure, the Celtics evolved from a playoff contender to an NBA finalist. His absence from the team has left a void that only a few players can fulfill

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