Boston Celtics: Danny Ainge should hang up phone on Warriors about Smart trade

The Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics have frequently been linked in rumors about Marcus Smart, but Danny Ainge should hang up the phone on Bob Meyers if he gets a call about a swap.

The Boston Celtics should not trade Marcus Smart for the #2 pick in the NBA Draft. They can probably do it. Golden State seems to be a willing participant. Bill Simmons even threw the idea out in the universe this past week:

"“So Golden State calls Boston, and they say we really want Marcus Smart…we will offer the No. 2. Overall Pick for Marcus Smart and Pick No. 14. What does Boston do?”"

If the Houdini had control of Danny Ainge‘s neurological functions, we would instruct his hand to slam the phone down if the front office got that call.

Smart is a “love him or hate him” kind of difference-maker, and the difference he makes is admittedly not always a good one. But unless he can be used in a trade to bring in a true top-tier star, it doesn’t seem likely the Cs would pull the trigger on a deal.

The best role for him moving forward would be to start at the 2 for either the Celtics or another team, but Blue Man Hoop’s Tony Pesta wouldn’t foresee that role for the former Defensive Player of the Year:

"Smart’s role with the Warriors would more than likely be as a Sixth Man. This could be good for him as limiting his usage would make his inconsistencies less extreme. If the cost of earning an All-Defesnvie caliber guard is the No. 2 pick in a weak draft, the Warriors might have to jump on this opportunity.Last season, Smart averaged 12.9 points, 4.9 assists and 1.7 steals per game. He has improved as a shooter and playmaker who can serve as a reliable backup guard for the Dubs if this is the path they choose."

Smart would be an amazing fit for the Warriors, replacing Andre Iguodala‘s role with the team from 2013-2019. His career would be a better fit for a team that can give him as much responsibility as he is willing to take on.