Boston Celtics: ranking the 3 most tradable players

Marcus Smart, G

Of all the players we’re mentioning on this list, Marcus Smart’s departure from the team in any sort of package would sting the most — at least, in my opinion.

The sixth-year Swiss Army-man bleeds green through and through and is undoubtedly the lifeblood of Boston’s second unit. Frankly, without him they’d be far worse than they currently stand.

Perhaps his best season as a pro, Smart is averaging career bests seemingly all across the board. Through 53 outings the 26-year-old is posting 13.5 points, 4.8 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and a half a block per game on 35 percent shooting from 3-point range.

As mentioned in the introduction slide, the wing has many in the NBA circle talking about how his play on the less glamorous side of the ball has warranted him consideration for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, including the likes of league legend, Dwyane Wade:

"“I know this is normally a big man’s award but this year, we need to get back to the Gary Payton and Michael Jordans of the world, where guards get the Defensive Player of the Year. What Marcus Smart has done… I mean, he’s fearless. And it’s not just the blocks, it’s the hustle, it’s the diving on the floor for the ball, it’s the switching one through five he does.”"

With his impressive level of play, and his impact as a leader within this Boston Celtics core, it’s understood that trading Marcus Smart is not an idea the C’s front office is pondering about.

However, that doesn’t mean teams won’t play their hand in inquiring about him this offseason.

A player of his caliber on an average salary of $13.1 million for the next two seasons is an insanely good deal for any contender and, according to recent speculation by our sister site Blue Man Hoop, a team such as the Golden State Warriors could realistically pursue the ferocious defender:

"With four max-value players on the roster, the Warriors really don’t have the cap to outright sign him after the 2021-2022 season. Even if they did, the Warriors want to return to dominance as soon as possible with the clock ticking on Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Marcus Smart and his ultra-gritty style of play would help them do just that. If you’ve ever watched Smart, you know that more likely than not he’ll be one on top of any loose ball. He’ll be guarding your best player."

Though we should hope Smart remains a Celtics for, at the least, the remainder of his contract, it’s not an unfathomable idea to believe Danny Ainge could be intrigued by a team’s offer. Just two seasons ago, rumors were spreading like wildfire that Boston was seeking a first-round pick for the wing and even entered trade talks with the Denver Nuggets.

If I were an opposing GM, I’d certainly look into the availability of the versatile Marcus Smart this offseason.