The Boston Celtics made a blockbuster deal with the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies late Wednesday night.
Boston acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Wizards and sent Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies while the latter sent guard Tyus Jones to the Wizards.
Smart will now play for a new team for the first time in his career. He spent the previous nine seasons with the Celtics after he was drafted by them in the 2014 NBA Draft.
After the trade was announced, Celtics forward Jayson Tatum posted a heartfelt goodbye message to Smart via Instagram while also saying the two will win a title together one day.
“My dawg Forever grateful for you and how you pushed me and helped me along this journey. Never change keep being you, one of a kind can never be replaced! My brotha for life. We gone link back up one day and get us one no doubt about that! Until then, Much love Brodie!” Tatum said.
😔Tatum showing love to Smart on IG #Celtics #BleedGreen pic.twitter.com/bPyaesGJZF
— Bri Marie D (@BriMarieD) June 22, 2023
That second-to-last sentence could be a hint that Tatum may leave the Celtics one day to join up with Smart to win a title.
For now, that possibility will have to wait since Tatum is under contract for three more seasons.