While being fans of Boston sports has led to some incredible wins, there’s been plenty of painful trades as well.
Last night, another one took place for Celtics fans as Marcus Smart was shipped off to the Memphis Grizzlies in a 3-team trade for Kristaps Porzingis.
That led me down the road… what are some other recent trades that left fans a little bit stung by there departure. Doesn’t mean they didn’t work out, but it was the pain felt when the moves were initially made.
1. Nomar Garciaparra
Date of the deal: July 31st, 2004
Red Sox sent Nomar Garciaparra and Matt Murton to the Cubs
Cubs sent Brendan Harris, Alex Gonzalez and Francis Beltran to the Expos
Expos sent Orlando Cabrera to the Red Sox
Twins sent Doug Mientkiewicz to the Red Sox
Cubs sent Justin Jones to the TwinsWhile the Nomar Garciaparra trade worked out for the 2004 Red Sox, at the time fans were badly hurt because of their connection with the 1997 AL Rookie of the Year. He is still a staple of Red Sox lore to this day after slashing .323/.370/.553/.923 over 9 seasons. Who didn’t mess with their batting gloves like him back in the day?
1998, Boston, MA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Boston Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra at the plate at Fenway Park during the 1998 season. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
2. Marcus Smart
Date of the deal: June 22nd, 2023
Celtics receive:
Kristaps Porzingis
No. 23 pick, 2023 draft
2024 1st-round pickWizards receive:
Tyus JonesGrizzlies receive:
Marcus SmartThe trade of Marcus Smart is a very fresh wound at the moment, but one look at any social media site right now and you’ll see the pain Celtics fans are going through. He was the heart and soul of the Celtics and was able to branch different eras of the team together since being drafted 6th overall in 2014. If this leads to the team getting over the hump, the wound will heal, but if it doesn’t fans will not look back fondly on it.
May 19, 2022; Miami, Florida, USA; Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) brings the ball up court during the first half against the Miami Heat in game two of the 2022 eastern conference finals at FTX Arena. Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
3. Manny Ramirez
Date of the deal: July 31st, 2008
Red Sox send Manny Ramirez to the Dodgers
Pirates sent Jason Bay to the Red Sox
Red Sox sent Craig Hansen and Brandon Moss to the Pirates
Dodgers sent Andy LaRoche and Bryan Morris to the PiratesManny Ramirez was at the middle of the 2004 and 2007 World Series squads, even bringing home 2004 World Series MVP, as he crafted a legendary legacy in Boston. Despite plenty of off the field drama leading up to the trade, it still hit Red Sox fans very hard when he was moved. Jason Bay ended up being a great fit after landing with the Red Sox, but it was a tough pill to swallow as Ramirez went bonkers with the Dodgers.
OF Manny Ramirez (1993-2011)
Xxx World Series Dec045 Jpg S Bbo Ma4. Isaiah Thomas
Date of the deal: August 22nd, 2017
Celtics receive Kyrie Irving
Cavs received Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and Brooklyn’s 2018 first-round pickNot many athletes have made a city fall in love with them as quickly as Isaiah Thomas did. He was able to make the Celtics relevant again in the midst of their rebuild after coming over from the Suns and showed a will to win that could rival anything we’ve seen in this city. Even after being washed-up for years, Celtics still clamor on social media to bring him back whenever his name is in headlines again talking about a comeback.
May 15, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) looks on during player introductions prior to game seven of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
5. Logan Mankins
Date of the deal: August 26th, 2014
Buccaneers receive Logan Mankins
Patriots received Tim Wright and a 2015 4th-round pickWhen Bill Belichick decided to ship Logan Mankins off to Tampa Bay because he wouldn’t take a pay cut, it caught many by surprise. Mankins was the model of consistency and an obvious favorite of Tom Brady. He’s currently a finalist for the 2023 Patriots Hall of Fame even after spending the final years of his career in Tampa Bay.
Nov 11, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots guard Logan Mankins (70) blocks against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Bills 37-31. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
6. Tyler Seguin
Date of the deal: July 4th, 2013
Bruins received Loui Eriksson, Joseph Morrow, Reilly Smith and Matt Fraser
Stars received Tyler Seguin, Rich Peverley, and Ryan ButtonAfter losing against the Blackhawks in 6 games for the 2013 Stanley Cup, dealing Seguin was the major move the Bruins made to shake things up. While he had his off the field concerns, it was clear he was going to be a force in the league for years to come. Still, this was a move that created a lot of distrust between fans and the front office for years to come.
May 12, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Bruins center Tyler Seguin (19) controls the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during game six of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Bruins 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
7. Mookie Betts
Date of the deal: February 10th, 2020
Red Sox received Alex Verdugo, Jeter Downs, and Connor Wong
Dodgers received Mookie Betts, David Price, and cashThis is the move that rings loudest for Boston sports nowadays, especially given the current state of the Red Sox. Trading a future Hall of Famer and 2018 World Series champion due to luxury tax complications and a poor farm system will never be an easy pill to swallow, especially given that Betts was in his prime. It was made even worse when Red Sox fans had to watch him win it all again the following year.
Oct 13, 2018; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) reacts after hitting a single during the first inning against the Houston Astros in game one of the 2018 ALCS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
