Orlando Magic Receive: G Payton Pritchard, 2025 First-Round Pick (Top-10 Protected – BOS) 

Boston Celtics Receive: G Cole Anthony 

It might be a good idea, however, to point out that perhaps we shouldn’t have been surprised by Boston’s decision to move Smart. It is becoming more and more common for players to retire with the team that drafted them back in the day. 

There are a couple of reasons why that is the case. A good example of this is the empowerment of players. In the present day, NBA players are more inclined than ever to seek out an opportunity that fits their career goals. 

Okay, that’s fair enough. Power should be given to players. There’s no doubt that they are the most valuable people in the NBA. Having said that, we have not expected loyalty from NBA teams in the same way. 

Why would we want to do that? The NBA is a big business. There is no doubt that teams will do what is best for the team. Smart was moved by the Boston Celtics because they felt that it was necessary for them to do so in order to improve the roster as a whole. 

NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Cole Anthony, Boston Celtics & Orlando Magic Updates

The next order of business may be to use Payton Pritchard’s contract to get the right guard to help complete their backcourt. He has been disgruntled but doesn’t appear to be the answer.

Is acquiring Anthony the next move?