Marcus Smart on being traded from Celtics: ‘I was told we were good’
Emotions run high after being traded. Especially after being the heart and soul of the team for nine years. Former Boston Celtics point guard Marcus Smart has finally addressed the media on being traded away from the Celtics, via CLNS.
Only a week prior to the trade, Boston Celtics officials told the 29-year-old that he was on stable ground with the team, saying that he is staying put in Boston. That couldn’t have been more wrong for Smart.
Before the trade was finalized, Smart wasn’t a part of the deal. Malcolm Brogdon another Boston Celtics point guard, was the final piece in trading for Kristaps Porzingis, but due to Brogdon’s injury concerns it fell through.
“I went to the gym next day to get my stuff, talked to Brad (Stevens) and Joe (Mazzulla),” Smart said. “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 we were good. I understand the business side of it, I’ve always been like that. I’m the first one to tell anyone. You can’t mix personal with business, it just doesn’t mix. I understand it’s a business. For me, it’s just the courtesy.
“They probably already knew they were thinking about trading me. They had this trade in their back pocket just in case something else didn’t happen. And for me, it’s just the simple fact, hey, we’re thinking about trading you, most likely we’ll trade you, just letting you know, thank you,” said Smart. “Especially with telling me the week before, my house flooding and having to deal with that. It was a whole lot at once. I love this team, I love this organization, I love the fans and the support I’ve gotten for my nine years. I’m excited and energetic to start my new life with the Grizzlies.”
Only a few weeks before Smart was traded, the Celtics fell just short of another NBA championship. In doing so, Jayson Tatum promised Smart that they would one day reunite and win a championship.
Now, sadly without Smart, the Boston Celtics team looks even better than before with Porzingis suiting up in green.
“It’s gonna be fun for those guys. It’s gonna be challenging, there’s gonna be ups-and-downs,” Smart said. “That’s the beauty about growth. It’s another part of their game that they’re just gonna continue to evolve in. Even though I won’t be here and part of it, I’m proud of those guys and I can’t wait to see the growth that they accomplish. But I’m excited to see them take the next step in their games, not from a basketball standpoint on the court, but a leadership role and really taking hold of this team.”
As reality sets in, Smart has said his final goodbyes to his brothers on the court.
“It was hard, seeing the texts, hearing the guy’s voices saying the goodbyes, reminiscing on the good times,” Smart said. “To be able to be with one group of guys in a city for so long, it’s tough … Jayson and Jaylen are my brothers for life, and I don’t think what the people see is enough of what and how our relationship really is.
“We’ve been through a lot together, we’ve been through the fire. My mom passed away and J.B. was actually one of people on that plane that came to Dallas to the funeral. So I just want to shut all the rumors down now that me and J.B. had beef. I have no beef with anybody with the Celtics, none of my teammates, I love those guys, they love me. We’re brothers and I know that if I’m ever in need, or need or what anything, I can call those guys and it’s vice-versa, but me and J.B., we’re great, that’s my brother. He actually texted me and was just as disappointed as I was. So we’re good and just because J.B. or any of my teammates didn’t post anything, doesn’t mean we have beef.
“It was a tough conversation with Brad, he was very emotional, but like I said, I’m sure there’s a lot more that went into that won’t be said, can’t be said,” Smart said. “But it’s all love, Brad knows that. We’ve had our talks over the years, we’ve had our moments, and I grew up with Brad as well. My first year was his second year. It was definitely an emotional talk for him, but like I said, the love will always be there, and there’s no hard feelings.”
Smart will now join the Memphis Grizzlies, a squad built with intense attitude and grit, a perfect team for Smart.
How will Smart pan out on the Grizzlies? Will we see a reunion in Boston in the future? Let us know in the comments.
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