The Boston Celtics traded Kemba Walker to the Oklahoma City Thunder after two injury-plagued seasons with the team. The Celtics had high hopes for Walker after acquiring him in 2019, but things just didn't work out.
While the veteran point guard only spent two seasons in Boston, he built some special bonds there, including with fellow guard Marcus Smart. The 27-year-old Smart took to Twitter to give Walker a shoutout after the trade:
One of the best teammates I’ve ever had! Fam for life! @KembaWalker pic.twitter.com/LgmJvnKE9v
— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) June 18, 2021
Walker has always been known as a great teammate, and Smart clearly cherished their time together on the Celtics. It's unclear just how long Walker will be in Oklahoma City, but if he's there to start next season, he can be a good mentor for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Meanwhile, Marcus Smart will reunite with Al Horford in Boston … unless Smart is the next to go. There have been some rumblings about a potential Smart trade in order to shake things up after a disappointing 2020-21 season.
Of course, that could change now with Walker out the door. This trade gives the Celtics a bit more flexibility for this offseason, so trading Smart might not be on the table now unless there's a chance for a big-time upgrade. Smart has meant so much to Boston for so long, so the preference is surely to keep him if possible.
The Celtics went just 36-36 this past season and lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Brooklyn Nets after winning their play-in game. With a few more moves, though, Boston could put itself in position to be a contender once again next season. The C's were just in the Eastern Conference Finals last year, so they could easily turn things around.
Follow Us
Subscribe