Celtics Expressed Interest in Trading for NBA Champion Before Acquiring Kristaps Porzingis

The Celtics shook up their foundation, trading Marcus Smart and acquiring Kristaps Porzingis.

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Celtics shook up their foundation by trading Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies in a three-team deal that brought Kristaps Porzingis and two first-round picks to Boston.

The organization then utilized the 25th pick in Thursday's draft, acquired from Memphis, as a springboard, moving back multiple times, stockpiling future second-round picks, and creating slightly more financial flexibility by dipping out of the first round.

And with the pick the Celtics kept, they added former Arkansas Razorback Jordan Walsh, a prospect with a high floor, who's already improving his swing skill, which could lead to him becoming a starting-caliber player one day.

But before signing off on a trade that they parlayed into Porzingis, Walsh, and multiple future second-round picks, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Boston expressed interest in Jordan Poole.

The now-former Warrior wound up with the Wizards in a deal sending Chris Paul to the Bay. He's on a four-year, $128 million contract that takes effect starting this season. He's on the books for $27.5 million for 2023-24, and his salary increases the three campaigns following it, maxing out at slightly north of $34 million in 2026-27.

While Poole could benefit from a change of scenery, and he's entering his age 24 season, the caliber of player and size of his contract suggests the Celtics likely were exploring the possibility of a three-team trade where the former Michigan Wolverine still went to Washington.

Malcolm Brogdon, or possibly Smart, would've gone to the Warriors in such a scenario, with Porzingis still going to Boston. But getting multiple first-round picks from the Grizzlies seems it proved more enticing.

Further Reading

Jordan Walsh Already Improving on Main Weakness, a Potential Ceiling-Changing Development

Brad Stevens Shares What Compelled Celtics to Trade for Kristaps Porzingis

Brad Stevens Discusses Difficult Decision to Trade Marcus Smart: 'He'll Always Have Boston'

Scouting Report on Celtics' Second-Round Pick Jordan Walsh

The Details about Future 2nd-Round Picks Celtics Acquired at the Draft

Celtics Swing 4 Draft-Day Trades, Add Future Second-Round Capital

After Trading Marcus Smart, Acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, Where Do Celtics Go from Here?

Marcus Smart Felt "Shock" and "Hurt" Over Trade from Boston Celtics

The Latest on Malcolm Brogdon's Forearm Strain

Celtics Acquire Kristaps Porzingis, Trade Marcus Smart to Grizzlies in Blockbuster Deal

Grant Williams Not Expected Back If Celtics Acquire Kristaps Porzingis

Marcus Smart Discusses Celtics' Identity, Relationship with Jaylen Brown, Boston's Coaching Hires, and Pursuit of Banner 18