Things have gone so poorly in 2020-21 for the Boston Celtics that the franchise is considering parting ways with someone once considered indispensable by the fanbase.
Marcus Smart–a player many see as the heart and soul of the Cs–is being rumored for several different scenarios that would see the Oklahoma State product swapped out for a more offensively inclined player.
But how did we get here?
Just a season ago, Smart was an essential fill-in for both Kemba Walker and Gordon Hayward during periods where the oft-injured stars were sitting out for various ailments. Boston was a top-five finisher on both ends of the floor and had a core capable of contending.
Now, the Cs own a losing record and have means of improvement. Smart’s $13 million cap figure is one of the few tradeable contracts on the roster that could possibly bring someone into the fold that can tangibly improve the team’s chances of challenging the Eastern Conference’s elite this summer in the postseason.
Everything about the last year for the Cs has been depressing–from the fanless TD Garden to the departure of Gordon Hayward to a Charlotte Hornets team ahead of Boston in the standings–but the idea that trading Smart is the best way to salvage this season easily takes the cake for saddest development.
Alas, it appears that is the direction the Boston Celtics are heading in. With that in mind, Hardwood Houdini has identified the top targets Danny Ainge could pursue with Smart, and we’ve gone ahead and ranked them as well:
Boston Celtics’ Marcus Smart trade target #5. Evan Fournier
Evan Fournier’s name is one that has appeared in Smart trade talks, but not as someone the Cs would swap Smart out for straight up. Instead, Fournier’s name is tied to the framework of what would be a larger Aaron Gordon deal.
Either way, Fournier isn’t someone the team should be pursuing in any deal that gives up too much value. While his shooting ability has kept him relevant as a starter for the better part of the last decade, that aspect of his game has declined in 2020-21.
If he isn’t making shots, Fournier is borderline unplayable in a playoff series.