the Boston Celtics have finalized a seismic deal that will reshape their franchise for years to come. In a bold and aggressive offseason move, the Celtics have officially traded veteran guard Marcus Smart to the Los Angeles Lakers and combo guard Derrick White to the Cleveland Cavaliers. But that’s not all — the Celtics have responded by signing rising phenom Cooper Flagg and reigning MVP Nikola Jokić to a massive 4-year, $120 million deal.
The news was confirmed during a surprise press conference held at TD Garden early Wednesday morning. Celtics GM Brad Stevens called the move “a necessary evolution to prepare Boston for the next decade of dominance.”
Celtics Say Goodbye to Two Cornerstones
Marcus Smart, the emotional leader and former Defensive Player of the Year, has been the heart and soul of the Celtics for nearly a decade. His trade to the Lakers is being viewed as both stunning and controversial by fans and analysts alike.
“Marcus gave this team his everything,” said Stevens. “But to get to where we want to go, we had to make incredibly tough decisions.”
Derrick White, who emerged as a key contributor during Boston’s recent playoff runs, was shipped to the Cavaliers in a multi-team deal involving future draft picks and cap space restructuring.
Enter Cooper Flagg & Nikola Jokić
In a move that few saw coming, the Celtics landed Cooper Flagg, the highly touted high school prodigy considered the most dominant player of his generation. Flagg, known for his all-around game, athleticism, and leadership, signed his rookie deal as part of the same historic package that brought in two-time NBA champion and back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokić from the Denver Nuggets.
Yes, Nikola Jokić is now a Boston Celtic.
The Serbian superstar, often called one of the most gifted big men to ever play the game, reportedly requested a trade quietly weeks ago. Sources claim Jokić was looking for “a new challenge” and “a chance to build something lasting with a young core.” His signing with Boston gives the team the most formidable frontcourt in the NBA, especially when paired with Flagg’s talent and Tatum’s scoring ability.
League Reaction: Stunned
Social media exploded following the announcement. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith labeled the deal “the most aggressive and gutsy move I’ve seen in the last 10 years.” Former Celtics players expressed a mix of sadness and excitement, with Jayson Tatum tweeting, “This is going to be something special. Let’s go to work.”
Meanwhile, Lakers fans are welcoming Marcus Smart with open arms, calling him the perfect defensive complement to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Cleveland fans are equally thrilled to receive a seasoned playmaker like Derrick White.
Final Thoughts
This blockbuster move marks a bold new era in Boston Celtics basketball. By parting ways with two beloved guards and making an unprecedented double signing, the Celtics are all-in on winning now — and building for the future. With Cooper Flagg’s limitless potential and Nikola Jokić’s proven greatness, Boston may have just secured the most powerful duo in the league.
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