On Wednesday, a trade involving Kristaps Porzingis was finalized between the Washington Wizards and the Boston Celtics. Not that they actually did it. The transaction was shaping up to be a huge two-team blockbuster until suddenly the Memphis Grizzlies decided to go on board. To say that today and tonight have been action-packed in the NBA would be an understatement.
According to recent rumors, Porzingis has agreed to join the Boston Celtics. Former defensive player of the year Marcus Smart has been traded to the Grizzlies as part of the transaction. Tyus Jones and the 35th overall selection in Thursday’s NBA Draft will be traded by Memphis to the Wizards.
Twitter users in the NBA are going crazy about this massive event, as predicted. The Grizzlies likely did not anticipate the level of vitriol directed toward Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks in the wake of this historic deal.
After hearing that he will be playing with Marcus Smart, Morant has been catching all sorts of strays on social media.
Ja Morant and Marcus Smart are teammates 😳 pic.twitter.com/5Tqel9j2TL
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 22, 2023
Dillon Brooks was a victim of Twitter’s harsh environment. Even more vicious criticism of the divisive Grizzlies forward came from the cyber warriors:
Memphis finally has what Dillon Brooks thought he was. https://t.co/T8005G75CV
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) June 22, 2023The Grizzlies replaced Dillon Brooks with Marcus Smart. pic.twitter.com/P5Gmwkj1Za
— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) June 22, 2023The emergence of Marcus Smart in Memphis has led some to speculate that Brooks’ stint with the Grizzlies may soon come to an end. After all, Smart’s addition may be the final straw for Brooks, who has already been the subject of much speculation about his impending departure via NBA free agency.
Whether you’re a fan or hater of the Grizzlies, this isn’t a terrible deal for them. With Marcus Smart’s addition, the team could even be considered stronger than before. Once the season begins, I suppose we’ll find out.
