Boston Celtics: 3 Marcus Smart trades to consider this offseason
By Jack Simone
Old rumors find new life
The Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers engaged in trade talks last season when Gordon Hayward was in the mix. Myles Turner was supposedly at the center of the deal, so why not revisit the idea?
The rumors that the Pacers wanted to part ways with Turner have carried on for a long time. By trading him for Marcus Smart, Indiana gets a defensive juggernaut that can be inserted into their starting lineup, or act as a great sixth man off the bench. A backcourt made of Malcolm Brogdon, Caris LeVert, T.J. McConnell, and Smart should be more than enough to get them to the playoffs.
As for Thompson, he would simply be big man insurance for the Pacers. With Turner gone, their next man up at center would be Goga Bitadze. Adding Thompson would shore up any immediate needs at the position while searching for a more long-term solution.
Though Robert Williams emerged as a quality starting center this past season, injury issues remain at the forefront of the conversation when it comes to the young big man. Turner gives the Cs more options at the center position and also brings in a more versatile option.
When Boston traded away Daniel Theis, they dealt their only big man with the ability to shoot the ball. Turner is a career 35.2 percent 3-point shooter that also averaged 3.4 blocks per game last season.
He can shoot, defend, and help provide flexibility at the center position.
Holiday would provide the Boston Celtics with a much-needed veteran presence. He shot 38.2 percent from deep on 6.3 attempts per game last season in 30.3 minutes a night. On top of that, he played in all 72 games, meaning health issues should be the least of his worries.