4. Boston Celtics
Key offseason move: Trading Marcus Smart (in a three-team deal) for Kristaps Porzingis
In what ended up being one of the bigger moves of the offseason, the Boston Celtics decided it was time to shake up their roster. As many thought they would trade (or at least shop) Jaylen Brown, the Celtics went another route. Instead, the Celtics traded Marcus Smart in a three-team deal to acquire Kristaps Porzingis. The first iteration of the deal involved trading Malcolm Brogdon instead of Smart, but after the LA Clippers pulled out (as Brogdon’s landing spot), the Celtics had to pivot and move Smart.
Either way, the Celtics got their target (Porzingis). At least in my opinion, the true question for the Celtics heading into the start of training camp and eventually the regular season is how much they’re going to miss Smart – not only as a player but also as a leader. And the answer to that question could go a long way in determining how this season plays out for the Celtics.
At least on paper, the Celtics should finish as a top-2 seed in the Eastern Conference. From a talent perspective, there may not be many better trios than Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Porzingis.