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Fans were shocked to learn that Marcus Smart was leaving the Boston Celtics for the Memphis Grizzlies.
During his time in Boston, Smart became a crucial part of the rotation and especially the culture.
Because of that, many people thought he’d stay there for his entire career.
Smart was also blindsided by this move, according to a new piece from The Athletic, via NBACentral.
He recounted how the surprising news was revealed:
“I was told everything was good after asking multiple times. Like, ‘I’m hearing (rumors), what’s going on?’ And they’re like, ‘No, you’re good, you’re good, you’re good.’ And then when I do hear about the trade, it’s from Shams on Twitter before I hear from the team.”
Marcus Smart says Boston had told him he wouldn’t be traded and says he discovered his trade via Shams’ tweet before hearing it from Boston directly
“I was told everything was good after asking multiple times. Like, ‘I’m hearing (rumors), what’s going on?’ And they’re like,… pic.twitter.com/RZFwj645i6
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 24, 2023
Smart must have felt hurt and upset to learn of this career change via a tweet from Shams Charania.
And it must have been even more upsetting because he had been reassured that he wasn’t going to be moved at all.
In the end, the Celtics were wooed by a deal that sent them Kristaps Porzingis and sent away Smart.
During his nine years with the team, he recorded 11.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game.
He was a definitive team leader and a strong voice in the locker room and now the Celtics will try to build a new chemistry without him.
As for Smart, he is going to bring his special brand of guidance and skill to the Grizzlies, a young team that could definitely use his help in that department.
Even though things ended abruptly with the Celtics, Smart seems to hold a special place in his heart for many people involved with the team.
Basketball is a business and he learned that the hard way but Smart is now looking ahead to what comes next.
The post Marcus Smart Reveals How He Learned About His Trade To Grizzlies appeared first on The Cold Wire.