“My Brotha for Life”: Jayson Tatum Sends Heartfelt Message to Marcus Smart As He Departs Boston

• Jayson Tatum has sent a moving message to Marcus Smart, who was recently traded by the Boston Celtics
• Smart was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a three-team deal that saw Kristaps Porzingis join Boston
• The 29-year-old was drafted by Boston in 2014 and played nine seasons for them

After nine seasons with the Boston Celtics, Marcus Smart is heading to the Memphis Grizzlies following a blockbuster three-team trade that involved the Washington Wizards.

Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum penned a touching tribute to Smart, hoping they team up later in their careers.

The 29-year-old was dealt to the Grizzlies as part of a three-team deal that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Boston from the Wizards. Smart was reportedly shocked about the move considering he has played for the Celtics all his career since they drafted him in 2014

Smart and the Celtics have reached at least the Eastern Conference finals in five of the last seven seasons but have not won a title since 2008. They also made it to the 2022 NBA finals but lost in six games to the Golden State Warriors, per Bleacher Report.

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The veteran point guard was also the longest-tenured member of the 17-time NBA champions.

Tatum's lovely message to Smart

Tatum has been with Smart since he entered the NBA out of Duke in 2017. Tatum shared a touching message on his Instagram on Thursday as the trade was finalized.

“My dawg. Forever grateful for you and how you pushed me and helped me along this journey. Never change keep being you, one of a kind can never be replaced! My brotha for life. We gone link back up one day and get us one no doubt about that! Until then, Much love Brodie!” via Sports Illustrated.

Smart is expected to be the starting point guard for the Grizzlies after Ja Morant was suspended for the first 25 games next season. He also brings a veteran presence the Grizzlies have lacked in the last few seasons.

The Celtics now have Porzinging, who is expected to transform their offense as they look to make another run at an 18th NBA title, per ESPN.

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Tatum on Game 7 defeat

Sports Brief earlier reported on Tatum reflecting on the painful defeat in the 2023 Eastern Conference finals against the Miami Heat.

The 25-year-old rolled his ankle after only 30 seconds. He stayed in the game, but it was clear he was playing through an injury. He played 42 minutes and finished with 14 points on 5-for-13.

"It was just frustrating that I was kind of a shell of myself. It was tough to move."