Celtics Acquire All-Star Forward in Blockbuster Trade Before Deadline

The Boston Celtics made a seismic move Thursday morning, acquiring three-time All-Star forward Marcus Johnson from the Portland Trail Blazers in a blockbuster trade that sends shockwaves through the NBA landscape just days before the trade deadline.

The deal sees Boston surrender promising young guard Payton Pritchard, forward Sam Hauser, and two future first-round picks in exchange for Johnson, who is averaging 24.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game this season. The 28-year-old forward brings veteran playoff experience and elite scoring ability to a Celtics squad already positioned as a championship contender.

"Marcus is exactly the type of player we need to put us over the top," said Celtics General Manager Brad Stevens in a press conference Thursday afternoon. "His ability to create his own shot and provide secondary scoring alongside Jayson and Jaylen makes us incredibly dangerous in the postseason."

Johnson, who requested a trade from Portland earlier this season as the rebuilding Trail Blazers struggled to compete in the Western Conference, expressed excitement about joining the Celtics organization. The 6-foot-8 forward has averaged over 22 points per game in each of the last four seasons and brings championship aspirations to Boston.

The trade immediately makes the Celtics the favorites to emerge from the Eastern Conference, pairing Johnson with the established duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Boston currently sits second in the East with a 34-18 record, just two games behind the Milwaukee Bucks for the top seed.

For Portland, the move continues their youth movement as they look to build around emerging star Scoot Henderson and recent draft picks. The acquisition of Pritchard gives them a reliable point guard, while the future draft capital provides flexibility for additional moves before Thursday's 3 PM ET trade deadline.

Johnson is expected to make his Celtics debut Friday night against the Miami Heat, marking the beginning of what Boston hopes will be a championship run powered by their new Big Three.