Marcus Smart claims the Boston Celtics told him ‘there were no trade talks’ before trading him

Three-time All-Defensive first team member Marcus Smart recently commented on his trade to the Memphis Grizzlies while speaking to reporters at a local basketball gym.

‘It was definitely shocking to find out, especially because the week before, I was already told we were good, there were no trade talks with me and we were good,’ said Smart.

‘I understand the business side of it, I’ve always been like that. I’m the first one to tell anyone, you can’t mix personal with business, it just doesn’t mix. 

‘I understand it’s a business. For me, it’s just the courtesy. They probably already knew they were thinking about trading me, they had this trade in their back pocket just in case something else didn’t happen.’

‘And for me, it’s just the simple fact, hey, we’re thinking about trading you, most likely we’ll trade you, just letting you know, thank you. Especially with telling me the week before, my house flooding and having to deal with that.’

Marcus Smart said the Celtics told him he wouldn’t be traded, only a week before trading him

Smart had spent the entire nine seasons of his career as a key player with the Celtics

He was traded in the three-team trade that saw the Celtics acquire Kristaps Porzingis 

‘It was a whole lot at once. I love this team, I love this organization, I love the fans and the support I’ve gotten for my nine years. I’m excited and energetic to start my new life with the Grizzlies.’

Smart was traded to the Grizzlies as part of the trade that saw the Celtics acquire Kristaps Porzingis in a three-team deal between the Grizzlies, Wizards, and Celtics.

The 29-year-old Smart will provide a much-needed boost to Memphis’s lineup since they will be missing Ja Morant due to his early season suspension, and will also bring an infusion of leadership to an awfully young but talented locker room.

He also averaged 11.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. 

‘It was hard, seeing the texts, hearing the guy’s voices saying the goodbyes, reminiscing on the good times,’ Smart said. ‘To be able to be with one group of guys in a city for so long, it’s tough … Jayson and Jaylen are my brothers for life, and I don’t think what the people see is enough of what and how our relationship really is.

‘We’ve been through a lot together, we’ve been through the fire. My mom passed away and J.B. was actually one of people on that plane that came to Dallas to the funeral. 

‘So I just want to shut all the rumors down now that me and J.B. had beef. I have no beef with anybody with the Celtics, none of my teammates, I love those guys, they love me.’