WESTFORD, Mass. -- A gym full of children, some dressed in Celtics jerseys, others in the black camp t-shirts and many sporting green hair dye arrived on Friday for day two hoping to see their favorite player. Some asked as the day dragged into the afternoon whether he'd show up, many wondering the same thing once a trade surprised Boston fans everywhere late last Wednesday.
Finally, Marcus Smart entered through the back door with his YoungGameChanger foundation collaborators alongside, who prepared for their weekend tournament at Dana Barros Club in Stoughton that served as Smart's unofficial goodbye. He followed through with his Texas and Massachusetts children's camps on Thursday and Friday even after the trade from Boston blindsided him, leaving him wishing the Celtics gave him advance notice. He wanted to show face for the fans and spoke with his friends about his desire to remain connected to Boston through his charitable efforts.
"For me, the last impression (of Boston) was just those fans," Smart said in Stoughton on Saturday. "We gave it our all, we obviously didn't stand up to the standards that we set up for ourselves in our last series with the Heat, we lost Game 7 in our house, but those fans were still there rocking and at the time, didn't know that would be my last game as a Boston Celtic, but the impression those fans left on me will always be remembered, and I'm thankful to even have the opportunity to say I played for the Boston Celtics."
The Kristaps Porziņģis trade set up Smart’s first career move after nearly one decade, from a city he became ingrained in among fans and within the community. He’ll arrive in Memphis next week after appearing at his weekend community events in good spirits, yet clearly feeling surreal after the unexpected trade that sent him to the Grizzlies for Porziņģis and draft picks. Several Celtics employees, including longtime public relations vice president Jeff Twiss arrived to say goodbye to Smart. Hundreds of campers lined up for photos around the gym after.
Over the next two days, Smart attended his foundation’s charity tournament, The 14 League, the first of what they hope becomes an annual event outdoors in Boston. The weekend pro-am, which designer Aidan Marshall and Smart's cousin Trey Davis created shortly following their Christmas Eve pop-up store in Boston for the YGC Global clothing brand that supports much of Smart's charitable efforts. Marshall lined up shirts, sweatshirts, hats and other apparel outside of Smart's camp as he, Davis and the other YGC members scrambled, not only shocked by the Smart trade, inherently increasing interest in his final Boston event, but learning that Boston pulled their permit for the South End park within one week of the event. What they envisioned as a Rucker Park-style event moved south of the city and indoors.
"Man, it was like you got hit with a car and you've gotta get up and keep going," said Bukuru Rugwizangoga, a Celtics employee and YGC collaborator. "It hurt … (but) he gets to expand his brand even more. He's done his fair share of work in Boston, so him going out of Boston, you've got more work to do, more people to meet, more lives to change, so it's great for him. The opportunity is huge and I don't think anything's going to change with him not being in Boston. What you did here is forever gonna be in Boston."
Marshall, who assessed numerous sites leading up to the event, hopes they'll renew that vision with a follow-up tournament next summer with Smart planning to remain connected to Boston beyond his Celtics tenure. Organizers at his children’s camp expressed optimism the nearly decade-long tradition will continue, while YGC will still call the city its home, despite Marshall attending the University of Indiana and Davis, the former Maine Celtics guard, planning to continue his own career overseas after spending last season in Spain.
"I don't think it's a goodbye, it's more of a see you later," Davis said. "Though he's not here on the court, he's still gonna be here inspiring these kids and these people here in the city of Boston. I can't stress enough, he's a hero out here … how he takes his time out to do certain things that he doesn't have to do. That's what I respect the most out of him. He's not a big social media guy, he's not into all that. He's just willing to help, and if nobody knows, he doesn't care … the reaction he gets from people, kids in hospitals, for the cereal, when he came out with the cereal, those kids were screaming for him, it's a great sight to see. I'm with him every day, so for me, it's different, but for these people who get to see him one time in their life, or maybe a couple of times, to see the love that they give him, it's a beautiful thing."
YGC courted its own team in The Basketball Tournament's New York City leg at Rucker last summer, and that environment nonetheless reminded Davis and Marshall they hadn't heard of a significant pro-am scene in Boston that exists in other cities. NBA stars LeBron James, DeMar DeRozan and others drew massive audiences in-person and online in cities like Los Angeles and Seattle, where professionals arrived to star against the local competition.
Chet Holmgren's season-ending injury in a summer game last year may halt the momentum those games gained. The 14 League featured G-League and overseas competitors playing for $20,000, like Davis, Nick Banyard, who played at UCF and high school with Smart, Ousmane Drame, who recently played in Poland and for Guinea’s national team, Ty Nichols from BK Decin in the Czech Republic, Jared Terrell from Hapoel Eilat in Israel and others. Justin Champagnie and J.D. Davison showed up after Celtics summer league practice.
Smart watched with his two dogs from the baseline as children flocked to him for photos and he transitioned toward what he and Brad Stevens agreed will be a great opportunity in Memphis. The Grizzlies finished as the No. 2 seed and feature borderline All-NBA level talents in Ja Morant and Desmond Bane. Jaren Jackson Jr. succeeded Smart as the 2023 defensive player of the year. Marshall already likes the idea of working Grizzlies blue into the YGC brand.
For Smart, a hard-nosed personality who evolved into a loving figure over his nine years in Boston, he'll undoubtedly help a young Memphis team find balance between gritty, edgy play and some of the more erratic antics by Morant, multiple instances waving a gun on social media leading to his 25-game suspension, and Dillon Brooks, whose veteran presence Smart projects to replace. Smart said he looks forward to working with Morant, spoke to Bane on his birthday and emphasized only Steven Adams exceeds him in age on that roster.
"(The trade) was definitely shocking to everybody in YGC, including Marcus," Marshall said. "Just being able to adjust, and look at what we already have moving and how we can still do that in Boston. I know he's super connected to the city, so he still wanted to do something there and just make sure he's still serving everybody he's been able to connect with over the last nine years …we're definitely gonna take advantage of Memphis, it's a whole new area we can touch … (but) since I'm from Boston and from the area, I want to make sure everything's taken care of the right way and it … doesn't feel like Marcus has left."
Rugwizangoga, who works along the Celtics sideline rebounding balls, handing out towels and water, will remember how Smart always acknowledged him and said please and thank you, whereas other players through his time in Boston didn't acknowledge him in those exchanges. Smart became a friend and mentor, Rugwizangoga said, growing emotional as he talked about the impact Smart had on himself, the team and the city. He wanted the 14 League to show that everyone's hurting like Smart is and send him off the right way. Rugwizangoga called Smart the most down-to-earth player and celebrity he's met inside TD Garden.
"We grew up together," Smart said. "It's definitely hard to say goodbye. I know talking to some of these fans, I definitely get emotional. They're coming up to me and they are bawling. I definitely have heard everybody's disappointed, but like I said, it's a business first. Boston will always be in my heart, I love Boston, but they made a move that was best for the team and that's all you can ask for."
Smart shared the same impact on Davis, who starred at the University of Memphis before playing for the Maine Red Claws and forming the YGC clothing line alongside the Celtics star. They only scratched the surface of the connection and impact they hoped to form in Boston, which is why they said their work will continue when they return to the city and from afar.
Davis’ global perspective and experience as an overseas player intersecting with Smart's playing style and charitable impact in Boston inspired the YGC brand in the first place.
"The trade was very shocking," Davis said. "It was shocking for everybody, but you've gotta understand the situation and continue to push through it. It inspired us even more to have this tournament, just to let everybody know we're still here, we're still here in the community, we're still doing the same things we were doing before he got traded .. we're going to a different location, but the goals remain the same. Boston's been so good to us, why would we want to leave the community? We're still here … we're not gonna let this stop what we're trying to do. (The NBA is) a business, business is business, we can still do this, we can still control this and what we do with the community ... I've seen how these people who walked in, everybody's clapping and excited to see him. They love him here, no matter what happens. Nobody can take that away."
Here's what else happened around the NBA this week...
Atlanta: Traded John Collins to the Jazz after years of rumors and speculation regarding his future after signing a five-year deal in 2021. The Hawks received Rudy Gay (1yr, $6.4M) and a second-round pick, a startlingly low return for the former budding star big man. Atlanta reportedly faced a mandate to dive below the luxury tax and the Hawks saved roughly $19 million by trading Collins into Utah's cap space, and much more long-term. Landry Fields made his mark with this trade as the first true shake-up for a crowded roster, which may open opportunity for others and creates a large TPE.
Boston: Kristaps Porziņģis expressed a desire to make life easier and said accepting a trade to the Celtics became a no-brainer at his Celtics introduction on Thursday. He backed those words up by taking less, reportedly two years, $60 million, in an extension that could've earned him $77 million. That saves Boston nearly $10 million and the corresponding luxury tax hits in each of the seasons where Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum projected to begin super max contracts. The Celtics will also inevitably become a second apron tax team in those years, something Brad Stevens accepted at the Porziņģis presser for the sake of winning. Boston signed free agent wing Oshae Brissett to a two-year deal on Friday.
Brooklyn: Traded Joe Harris and two future second-round picks to dump his one-year, $19.9 million into Detroit's cap space. The move slid Brooklyn $14 million below the luxury tax line while re-signing Cam Johnson on a four-year, $108 million contract after acquiring him in the Kevin Durant trade. Seth Curry and Yuta Watanabe departed from the deeper end of the team's bench, also opening opportunities for a team now investing in its youth.
Charlotte: Miles Bridges signed his one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer to return to the Hornets and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He missed 2022-23 in free agency and served part of a 30-game suspension, leaving him to serve 10 games beginning in 2023-24 for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend in front of their children, charges he pleaded no contest to earlier this year while receiving a sentence of probation, counseling and community service. Bridges and Charlotte were reportedly far apart on a long-term deal as the team paused over whether it should bring him back and Bridges' camp suggested the Hornets pull the qualifying offer and make him an unrestricted free agent now. LaMelo Ball signed a five-year extension worth $260 million.
Chicago: Extended Nikola Vučević on a three-year, $60 million deal that reduces his annual salary, but along with a new three-year, $33 million contract for Coby White locks this team further into a stagnating core. Andre Drummond returns after accepting his $3.3-million player option, leaving Ayo Dosunmu (restricted), Derrick Jones Jr., Javonte Green and Patrick Beverley in free agency for now. They also added defensive guard Jevon Carter, who last played for the Bucks, on a three-year, $20 million contract. Zach Lowe indicated they're buying into an era of parity under the new CBA.
Cleveland: My winner on day one of free agency -- retaining Caris LeVert on a two-year, $32 million contract before signing Georges Niang for three years, $26 million before Max Strus joined them in a sign-and-trade. Cedi Osman and Lamar Stevens' salaries offset to the Spurs in such a deal, which hard caps the Cavs for the 2024 season while also bolstering the team's wing depth after shooting at that spot doomed them in the playoffs. Isaac Okoro, Dean Wade, Stevens and Osman only showed spurts at the wing position that the team needed more than that from in a round one loss.
Dallas: Kyrie Irving re-signed with the Mavericks on a three-year, $126 million that came in one year short of the maximum, but far above uncertainty that began with his suspension from the Nets earlier in the year that eventually led to his trade to Dallas. Irving looked elsewhere, according to reports, and teased a meeting with the Suns that couldn't generate enough leverage to get that fourth year. Phoenix couldn't offer a fraction of the money the Mavs did, sign-and-trade suitors knew Dallas would not cooperate and Irving still gained considerable security in the deal. The Mavs had no choice. They also added Seth Curry and re-signed Dwight Powell.
Denver: Lost Bruce Brown as expected after his bargain mid-level exception deal solidified the roster at its edge as a champion. Brown signed a $45-million contract with the Pacers to depart the Nuggets after one year, far above what the Nuggets could muster with its early Bird Rights (175% raise). Denver already prepared for the loss by drafting Peyton Watson last year, then trading up to take Julian Strawther before adding Jalen Pickett in the second round. Reggie Jackson (a strange two-year, $10M deal) and De'Andre Jordan returned to the team after filling veteran presence roles off the bench on the way to a title.
Detroit: Filled its cap space by trading for Joe Harris and Monte Morris from Brooklyn and Washington. The Pistons added two future second-rounders from Dallas and Milwaukee in the Harris deal, and sent one out to add Morris. Each position enters next season crowded, with Morris, Killian Hayes and Cade Cunningham all in position to run the offense, Ausar Thompson arriving alongside Bojan Bogdanovic while isaiah Stewart, James Wiseman, Jalen Duren and Marvin Bagley III all can play center. The individual talents on the roster intrigue, but it's hard to imagine how it all comes together now.
Golden State: Draymond Green remained a Warrior on a four-year, $100 million deal after the Jordan Poole trade last week and a subtle Kings threat to sign Green disappeared when they extended Harrison Barnes. Golden State appears intent on building a championship contender around its long-time core, rather than focusing on transitioning its young players into those positions. Could Jonathan Kuminga and other young players move next to upgrade? That might become necessary after Donte DiVincenzo declined his player option and departed to the Knicks. Cory Joseph signed as an underrated depth guard addition from the Pistons.
Houston: Will not land James Harden after reports long indicated mutual interest between the two sides reuniting. That might've stemmed most from the Harden camp, now working on a trade from Philadelphia. Houston used its cap space, instead, on Raptors free agent Fred VanVleet, locking him up for three years, $130 million in by far the most questionable move of free agency's first day. VanVleet enters a crowded young backcourt including Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green and top draft pick Amen Thompson after a down year in Toronto. Houston wanted to infuse a veteran presence, and added a second in Dillon Brooks for a whopping four-years, $80 million. The Rockets also signed Jock Landale (4-years, $32M) after striking out on Brook Lopez, and traded for Nets guard Patty Mills, a long-running Ime Udoka favorite.
Indiana: Threw around big money on Friday while extending Tyrese Haliburton for up to five years, $260 million, should he meet qualifications for the full salary. He'll make at least $205.9 million, while receiving a new running mate in the backcourt in Bruce Brown, who agreed to a two-year, $45 million contract. The Pacers traded Chris Duarte to the Kings ahead of his extension eligibility, clearing up a log jam at guard while remaining focused on upgrading the front court by trading for Knicks forward Obi Toppin. New York received a pair of second-round picks in the deal.
Clippers: The leading candidate to land James Harden in a trade with the 76ers, effectively a rental since LA would receive Harden on his one-year, $36 million player option without extension eligibility. LA waived Eric Gordon ahead of his $21-million salary becoming guaranteed, clearing luxury tax and a position for a third star, with Paul George unlikely to move in a Harden deal. They'd need to aggregate salaries, something the new CBA won't allow teams as expensive as the Clippers to do in coming seasons. That may make consolidating the roster appealing now. It's difficult to imagine Norman Powell, other salaries and limited future draft capital intriguing the Sixers if other suitors emerge. Accordingly, the Clippers re-engaged Boston on a Malcolm Brogdon trade.
Lakers: Re-signed Rui Hachimura for three years, $51 million after his trade from Washington before adding Heat playoff hero Gabe Vincent for three years, $33 million using the mid-level exception and Taurean Prince for $4.5 million using a combination of MLE and bi-annual exception money. LA waived Mo Bamba to clear that cap space beneath the hard cap those signings will enact. Bamba played sparingly before injury rendered him unavailable for most of the Lakers' playoff run. Cam Reddish arrived on a veteran minimum deal after splitting last year between New York and Portland. D'Angelo Russell returned on a two-year, $37 million bargain, Austin Reaves signed for four-years, $54 million and Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes arrived on a two-year deal. Lonnie Walker IV departed for the Nets, but LA added substantial depth with its cap space.
Memphis: Signed Desmond Bane to a five-year, $207 million max extension that keeps him, Ja Morant and Marcus Smart tied together through 2026 as the team's backcourt. The team added former local college star Derrick Rose to that mix on Friday, too, and will hope youth and larger front-court lineups round out its rotation. The Grizzlies started Jaren Jackson Jr. and Steven Adams when healthy last year, which could allow for three-guard lineups. Otherwise, this team lacks larger wings that became popular across the 2-4 positions in the NBA over the past decade. Will Smart play the three?
Miami: Damian Lillard's preferred next team re-signed Kevin Love and returned Josh Richardson, who started his career in Miami from 2015-2019. Gabe Vincent signed in LA and Max Strus went to Cleveland in a sign-and-trade that re-routed Cedi Osman to San Antonio, possibly returning something in a sign-and-trade. For now, free agency took a significant bite at this team's depth that Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson, whether themselves or through a trade, will need to restore. Don't rule out a new cast of rookies, internal options like Haywood Highsmith and a bulked-up Nikola Jovic entering year two from filling those holes. It might prove wise that Miami didn't overpay for previously unsung players who thrived in its system, something the Heat previously did with Richardson before trading him as matching salary for Jimmy Butler in 2019.
Milwaukee: Re-signed Khris Middleton for three years, $102 million and Brook Lopez for two-years, $48 million, an unsurprising conclusion after Middleton reportedly took part in the Adrian Griffin hiring process. Not enough leverage outside of the Bucks existed to drive Middleton's price near max money, but the Bucks undoubtedly did its champion guard a solid with this deal after several injury-plagued seasons. His return from offseason wrist surgery flowing into knee ailments that resulted in clean-up surgery earlier this month pointed toward an uncertain future, along with diminished production throughout 2023. Jae Crowder returned too.
Minnesota: Made some quiet moves that could help, re-signing Nickeil Alexander-Walker (2yr, $9M) after acquiring him alongside Mike Conley in the D'Angelo Russell trade, a worthy flier despite limited productivity through his rookie contract. Troy Brown Jr. arrived after a productive season with the Lakers and Shake Milton signed from Philadelphia for two years, $10 million. The Wolves needed bargain perimeter players alongside its large starting lineup to provide some flexibility, and these players allow for some hope for small ball options. Could Karl-Anthony Towns move? I still bet no, for now.
New Orleans: Re-signed all-defensive forward Herb Jones for four years, $54 million, pushing the Pelicans just short of the luxury tax. They utilized early Bird Rights after declining a team option, allowing Jones to make more money immediately while likely saving on him long-term if he continued progressing toward unrestricted free agency. He had the option to explore offer sheets after New Orleans made him a free agent. The instability of the Pelicans' stars stole from how powerfully the team's depth competed in recent seasons. Jones solidifies a legitimate Finals contender when healthy.
New York: Reported among the James Harden suitors, because they simply can't help themselves. It doesn't make sense to trade young assets for an aging Harden before he hits free agency next summer. Especially since Jalen Brunson thrived in an on-ball role leading the Knicks' offense last season. It's impossible to think of a Harden scenario that helps the Knicks, even if it becomes the only foreseeable star available to them in coming years. New York can rarely embrace the slower youth movement, and Obi Toppin's trade to the Pacers served as a reminder of how this team's young core still hasn't fully flashed its potential through expanded opportunity.
Oklahoma City: Slow first day of free agency only saw them absorb Victor Oladipo's one-year, $9.4 million with draft compensation from the Heat as Oladipo recovers from a left patellar tendon tear suffered in round one against the Bucks. The Thunder's medical staff thrived previously in rehabbing older and injured players, but Oladipo's string of major injuries over the past four years place his career in serious jeopardy. He twice underwent surgery on his right quad and played inconsistently in his return from them with Miami. It's a low-risk, high-reward move for the Thunder in the absence of other uses of that limited cap space. Chet Holmgren (ankle) will make his return in next weekend's Summer League after missing his entire rookie season.
Philadelphia: The brief James Harden era likely came to an end when he opted into his $36-million player option in search of a trade away from the 76ers with negotiations regarding a long-term deal or alternative free agent destination lost. The Clippers and Knicks reportedly emerged as suitors as Daryl Morey faces a standoff eerily similar to the Ben Simmons one that led to Harden's arrival. The Sixers need to get creative, risky or acknowledge a step backward that could inevitably test Joel Embiid's patience with the organization. Morey escaped the Simmons situation victorious. Now, he's back to square one and with Tyrese Maxey reportedly unlikely to receive an extension this summer, maybe he has a plan for a larger, transformative deal.
Phoenix: Achieved a successful search for bench contributors on the first day of free agency, re-signing Josh Okogie, a consistent starter last season, and Damion Lee before adding wing shooter Yuta Watanabe from Brooklyn, young, athletic wing Keita Bates-Diop from San Antonio, Chimezie Metu from Sacramento, Eric Gordon, after the Clippers waived him, and Portland center Drew Eubanks. The seven signings rounded out the Suns' roster alongside its big three, Deandre Ayton and Cam Payne. Ish Wainwright will return off the bench as well, Isaiah Todd and Jordan Goodwin arrived as throw-ins from Washington in the Bradley Beal deal, while the team waiving its restricted rights on Jock Landale likely ends his time with the team. It's a compelling supporting cast for a top-heavy team, one that proved ineffective last postseason, albeit without the time to gel after Kevin Durant's arrival. They couldn't do much better than this with their resources, and they'll test how sustainable going all-in on a star trio becomes under the new CBA.
Portland: Damian Lillard requested a trade to the Miami Heat, ending his 11-year career with the Portland Trial Blazers as one of the greatest players in franchise history. Portland will reportedly comply, but discuss Lillard trades with numerous teams since he doesn't carry a no-trade clause. Other teams can likely beat Miami's offer and would land Lillard on a contract through 2027. Jerami Grant agreed to a five-year, $160 million deal as expected, something Adrian Wojnarowski reported won't change after the Lillard trade.
Sacramento: Extended Domantas Sabonis with a raise to $22 million this year with their cap space, and his new deal worth four-years, $195 million beginning next season. Reports linked them to Draymond Green and Kyle Kuzma before they ate up their own cap space by extending Harrison Barnes on a three-year, $54 million deal that affirmed the core that pushed the Warriors to seven games in the first round before De'Aaron Fox' finger fracture. The Kings need to find ways to improve defensively that Barnes alone couldn't solve, Chris Duarte, added in a trade with Indiana, won't improve and Mike Brown's expertise couldn't address in his first season. Trey Lyles, Alex Len and Kessler Edwards will return too, as this team looks set to effectively run it back. They also signed EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov, a 6-9 Bulgarian shooting forward.
San Antonio: Quiet so far through free agency, retaining Tre Jones on a two-year, $20 million deal, Julian Champagnie for four years, $12 million and maintaining roughly $23 million in cap space. They're a team to watch in the Grant Williams market as other teams turn toward the mid-level exception as their only way to add significant free agents. The Spurs need to spend roughly $7-million more to reach the salary cap floor after absorbing Cedi Osman's salary in the Max Strus sign-and-trade with Cleveland and Miami. Lamar Stevens arrived in that trade from the Cavs too.
Toronto: Signed Dennis Schröder and 76ers wing Jalen McDaniels to two-year deals after the Raptors lost Fred VanVleet for nothing to Houston, a significant blow after the team stood pat at the trade deadline. Masai Ujiri and Toronto continued to lean into the rest of its core, re-signing Jakob Poetl on a four-year, $80 million deal and nearing a $116-million extension with Gary Trent Jr., who returned on a player option last month. O.G. Anunoby and Pascal Siakam's futures become their next priorities, both players entering free agency next summer and managing them correctly will make or break Toronto.
Utah: Nearing a three-year extension with Jordan Clarkson, who picked up his $14.3-million player option for this season as a longstanding favorite of the franchise and ownership. John Collins will join them from Atlanta, another target long connected to the Jazz who only required them to part with Rudy Gay and a second-round pick. Consider it a three-year free agent signing for Utah, landing a good player whose contract will only increase in value as he approaches his 2026 player option. His fit next to Lauri Markkanen and Kessler Walker may not prove seamless. It will be if he regains his shot.
Washington: Re-signed Kyle Kuzma on a four-year, $102 million contract that fills out the team's spending above the cap floor. Tyus Jones, Jordan Clarkson and Kuzma give the team a starting point, or at least players who can fill out the stat sheet and regain trade value on long-term contracts for the Wizards to catch up with the other rebuilding teams in terms of future draft picks. Washington picked up a future second-rounder and brought back no money while dealing Monte Morris, an ok deal for a player who had a good season last year. We know the Bradley Beal story by now and the team received no picks in the Kristaps Porziņģis trade. Many teams will learn lessons from the Beal no-trade saga. Will the Wizards?