Boston Celtics: 2 deals for Timberwolves’ #1 overall pick in 2020 NBA Draft
A Smart deal for Minnesota
The first deal is a multiplayer swap that lands Minnesota the best player in the deal in Marcus Smart as well as swaps the #14 and #1 picks. Role-players from both teams are also sent in the deal for salary matching purposes.
Why the Boston Celtics do it
As previously mentioned, Danny Ainge does not miss in the lottery…or at least he hasn’t missed in the last decade. While this year’s draft class isn’t exactly the strongest, the role the #1 pick would step into in Boston would make it an easy transition. Imagine LaMelo Ball or Anthony Edwards torturing second units after Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown ran the floor with the starters. Better yet, imagine either of those guys running the fastbreak with the Cs stars.
Jake Layman and Jarrett Culver would be low-risk, high-upside bench gambles, while the Cs would rid themselves of the contracts of both Carsen Edwards and Vincent Poirier.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves do it
I’ll let Dylan Jackson over at Dunking With Wolves explain why Minnesota would consider dealing for Smart:
"One of the best fits that they could go after is Boston two-guard Marcus Smart, who is coming off of a season which he averaged 13 points, four rebounds, and five assists. Smart, named to two-time All-Defense teams over the course of his six-season-long career, has come a long way since he was a rookie for the Celtics. Since entering the league, Smart’s shot has improved to the point where it is consistent and reliable, as well as his passing becoming one of his best assets on offense. Smart’s defense, as stated, is where he makes his money, though. He has averaged over 1.3 steals per game each season of his career, with that number being over 1.6 steals per game over the course of the past two years. He is easily the best defensive guard in the league, as well as carrying a net positive on/off rating on one of the best five teams in the NBA."
Whatever it takes to get Smart should be what Minnesota considers. If they are serious about winning now, few players spruce up a defense like Boston’s Tasmanian Devil.