Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Celtics Trading Marcus Smart

The Boston Celtics traded Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies back in June.

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics star wing Jayson Tatum recently spoke to The Messenger's Jeff Goodman about a variety of Celtics-related topics, including Marcus Smart's departure. Tatum spoke candidly about his former teammate, who was dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies in the three-team trade that landed the Celtics Kristaps Porzingis.

"I am for sure going to miss Smart," Tatum said. "He was my teammate for six years and we've been through it all. We had good moments together, we had bad moments together. He's somebody that I wish was going be my teammate forever."

Smart, 29, played nine seasons as a member of the storied Celtics franchise. He averaged 11.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game across 61 games played with the Celtics during the 2022-23 regular season (all starts).

The point guard was one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA during his time in Boston. He earned three All-Defensive Team nods during his Celtics career and won the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year award.

Plus, Smart was an invaluable part of the 2021-22 Celtics team that made it all the way to the NBA Finals.

As Tatum's words indicate, players and fans will certainly miss Smart's presence in Boston.

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