Boston Celtics' blockbuster three-team trade in 2023 a 'complete oversight' from other two franchises

Kristaps Porzingis is now an NBA champion after previously playing on three different teams: the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, and Washington Wizards. Surely, he can say the wait was well worth it with a ring in tow.

How he got to Boston, though, is perhaps the sweetest thing about it for Celtics fans.

In 2023, the Celtics, Wizards, and Memphis Grizzlies came together on the Porzingis trade, which resulted in the beloved fan-favorite Marcus Smart in the Blues City and Tyus Jones in the nation's capital. Boston gained draft picks in the swap.

Wiz of Awes Jack Simone perfectly summed up the heist from Brad Stevens and Co. as a "complete oversight" from the other two teams involved.

“Overall, it was a complete oversight from the Wizards and Grizzlies,” Simone prefaced before saying, "Porzingis was the best player in the trade, yet the Celtics still somehow got picks in addition to adding him.”

Stevens has been at the top of his game while sitting in the driver's seat as an exec. He saw the vision in landing ex-All-Stars like Jrue Holiday and Porzingis, even if it meant giving up players like (Marcus) Smart and Rob Williams; who, by the way, LeBron James, were more valuable than a bag of Lays potato chips.

Kristaps Porzingis went all out for Boston Celtics in limited postseason role

Even though he did not play much during the postseason due to a soleus injury, the Latvian native gave it his all when he was on the hardwood. He went the distance and overrode Boston's medical staff for Game 5.

He really wanted that ring — it was evident in his risky return.

Joe Mazzulla was able to create a winning attitude in the locker room where, no matter who scored points or played the most minutes, nobody cared for a moment.

It's that selfless attitude that led to one more banner in the TD Garden rafters.