via Getty
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 08: Jayson Tatum #0 (R), Romeo Langford #45, Marcus Smart #36 and Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics all looks on during the fourth quarter of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at TD Garden on March 08, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
via Getty
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 08: Jayson Tatum #0 (R), Romeo Langford #45, Marcus Smart #36 and Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics all looks on during the fourth quarter of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at TD Garden on March 08, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
Amidst the glitz of this year’s NBA free agency, an unexpected twist seized the spotlight, courtesy of the enigmatic Celtics. Marcus Smart, the warrior who bled green, found himself out of team. The news hit the fans and pundits like a thunderclap on a clear summer day, leaving them dazed and scrambling for answers. The sudden revelation even stunned Smart.
The Celtics sent their gun player to Memphis as part of a three-team deal that deputed Kristaps Porzingis to Boston and Tyus Jones to Washington. The rattling news was delivered to the 29-year-old by his beloved.
Marcus Smart goes candid on Celtics’ decision to trade him
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Marcus Smart, in an interview with CLNS Media Boston Sports Network, revealed that he never expected the Celtics would trade him. “It was definitely shocking to find out that way, especially because the week before, I was already told we were good, there were no trade talks with me and I was good,” said Smart.
The star player had signed a four-year contract $76.4 million contract with the Celtics in 2021.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 31, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) reacts to missing a shot against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
“I was actually sleeping and my agent called my fiance. She woke up out of the sleep like literally about I think like…It was right after the deal had been made and I think Shams had already tweeted it out. It is how we found out,” said Smart.
The next morning Smart recalled going to the gym and confronting Celtics’ management on the move. “I spoke to Brad [Stevens] and Joe [Mazzulla] and a couple of guys there at the gym,” he said, underlining a face-off with the franchise executives. “It was definitely shocking to find out that way.”
Marcus Smart’s bittersweet thoughts on his situation
The shocking news hit Smart and his family when they were already dealing with a flooded house.?“So it was a whole lot, all at once,” said Smart in the interview.
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However, Smart said he will always love Boston and cherish the time he has had. Furthermore, he gave two cents on his future with the Grizzlies. Smart revealed he is indeed looking forward to playing alongside ace stars such as Ja Morant and Desmond Bane.
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The NBA star had spent nine years in Boston. During the illustrious stint, deep playoff runs including an NBA Finals appearance and an ECF Finals appearance, and several honors including a DPOY award came Smart’s way. It is indeed quite shocking that such a great stint had to end in this fashion.
