On Wednesday, the Washington Wizards traded big man Kristaps Porzingis to the Boston Celtics.
In exchange for Porzingis, the Wizards received Tyus Jones, Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala and pick 35 in this year’s NBA draft. Additionally, the Memphis Grizzlies were a part of this trade and received Marcus Smart.
Boston Celtics- A
Incoming Assets- Kristaps Porzingis, 2023 first-round pick (#25), 2024 first-round pick
This trade was nothing short of excellent for the Boston Celtics.
Although Smart was a vital player to the team, the value the Celtics got back is outstanding. Porzingis averaged more points and rebounds and shot better from the field, three, and free-throw line compared to Smart.
In addition to receiving Porzingis, the two first-round picks will be beneficial for the Celtics to utilize.
While the pick the Celtics received in this year’s draft is a late first-round pick, and the selection they received for next year will likely be too, as it originated from the Golden State Warriors. The Celtics don’t need to add top NBA prospects to this team.
Multiple prospects will be available in the late-first round that fit the win-now mentality the Celtics have and solve some depth issues, which should be the only concern the Celtics should have after making this trade.
For example, forward Grant Williams will likely have to sign with another team this off-season. With the incoming Porzingis contract, it would be difficult for the Celtics to give Williams a fair contract unless he takes a pay cut.
As for Porzingis, he will be a great fit next to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Porzingis’ ability to hit threes at an elite rate will undoubtedly be helpful for the Celtics. Porzingis is also a decent passer for his height; this past season, Porzingis averaged 2.8 assists.
While some key players will be on the way out of Boston, this trade was a massive win for a team trying to return to the NBA Finals.
Memphis Grizzlies- B
Incoming Assets- Marcus Smart
While Smart is an upgrade over Tyus Jones, the price of two first-round picks is steep. However, it does allow the Grizzlies to bolster their starting lineup in an interesting way.
After reports that the Grizzlies would not bring back Dillon Brooks, it left a void at the starting small forward position that needed to be filled.
When Ja Morant returns from his suspension, the Grizzlies could run a starting lineup of Morant, Smart, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Steven Adams—a clear upgrade over their starting lineup with Brooks.
The trade for Smart also favors the Grizzlies considering Morant’s suspension. Morant will miss 25 games, accounting for 30% of the season. Between Smart’s talent and winning experience, he will help keep the team afloat in Morant’s absence.
Overall, the Grizzlies leave as winners in this trade, not to the degree of the Celtics, but still winners.
Washington Wizards- D
Incoming Assets- Tyus Jones, Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala, 2023 second-round pick (#35)
It’s clear now more than ever the Wizards decided to start a rebuild at the worst possible time.
After trading Bradley Beal for pennies on the dollar and completely losing Kyle Kuzma to free agency, losing Porzingis in the same manner as Beal has to sting.
Like the Beal situation, the Wizards did not receive any valuable assets to start their rebuild with this trade, which is why it’s such a terrible trade for the team. Ironically, there were two first-round picks apart of this deal, and both went to the same team that now has Porzingis.
Besides not receiving any first-round picks in this deal, the two leading players that the Wizards received for Porzingis don’t contribute to the rebuild.
First, you have Jones, who has no business being on a rebuilding Wizards team. The backup guard averaged 10.3 points and 5.2 assists on the Grizzlies last year and will be entering his ninth season next year.
Considering the Chris Paul swap for Jordan Poole, it’s likely Jones will remain on the team. Notably, with Jones and Poole forming a new backcourt, it could affect who they select eighth overall in the NBA draft. The team was reportedly considering Anthony Black with the eighth pick.
Still, with Jones and Poole, they could shift focus onto prospects such as Cam Whitmore and Taylor Hendricks.
Next, there’s Danilo Gallinari. Gallinari missed all of last season with a torn ACL and is on an expiring deal. Expect Gallinari to remain on the team with the possibility of him being flipped at the trade deadline next season.
The Wizard’s start to their rebuild could not have gone any worse. Quite frankly, their decisions so far should be in a book titled ‘How Not to Rebuild a Team.’
The Wizards traded all their key players and received nothing of value in return to assist in the rebuild. On top of that, they included young players in the Beal trade, which you can’t afford to do before a rebuild.
On the bright side, the Wizards should finally be out of the draft lottery purgatory. While the team isn’t entering this rebuild with ideal assets, blowing up the team needed to happen.
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