Boston Celtics: 3 teams that could look to trade for Marcus Smart

The Boston Celtics have been quite a disappointing team to start off this new campaign and, despite taking part in some solid performances, find themselves boasting a sub-.500 record of 3-5.

Now, while there are some who believe the team’s weaknesses may be able to be fixed with a little tweaking from within, the vast majority of fans and media are under the impression that Brad Stevens and co. will have to look into making some moves during the next few months if they wish to save their season from enduring a second consecutive upsetting turnout.

Due to the fact that they are in possession of several Traded Player Exceptions, one of which being worth up to $17 million, the front office very easily could acquire some quality talents to add to their rotation without having to give up one of their core players.

However, if they were forced to consider partaking in a deal that would require them moving on from one of their foundational talents, veteran guard, Marcus Smart, would be the most likely of the bunch to be shopped.

While we’re by no means guaranteeing that such a move where Smart is sent packing will be made this season, should the team’s troubles and more rifts between him and the franchise continue, there’s certainly a possibility that the Boston Celtics will receive some calls pertaining to the availability of their two-way guard, and we believe 3 teams, in particular, could be the most likely to dial out:

Team that could trade for Marcus Smart No. 1) New Orleans Pelicans

With the amount of talent that the New Orleans Pelicans have had at their disposal over the last several years, the fact that they have not made the postseason since 2018 is a bit perplexing and considering that there’s already rumors of discontent between the franchise and young building block, Zion Williamson, their low-level of success should be a bit concerning in the long-term.

Already they find themselves off to a rough start to their 2021-22 campaign, winning just once within their first 10 games of action.

Now granted, their tough go of late has directly been affected by the fact that Williamson has yet to suit up for the ball club as he sits out whilst rehabbing his knee, and fellow building block Brandon Ingram having played in just six games due to a hip injury, but, even when they come back, it’s going to be a challenging endeavor to try and thrust themselves up the standings in the highly-competitive Western Conference with the core they currently have surrounding the two All-Stars.

Because of this, David Griffin and co. should strongly consider looking to add on some players, specifically effective two-way veterans who can help NOLA compete for a playoff spot out west, and we believe Marcus Smart could be an intriguing option for them to consider pursuing.

Throughout his eight-year career with the Boston Celtics, the combo guard has seen his fair share of trials and tribulations. From the C’s 25-57 season back in 2013-14 and their lackluster 2020-21 run to their three Eastern Conference Finals trips in a span of four years, his teams have experienced and endured a ton of ups and downs.

That said, one constant seemed to always be present: Smart has always proven to be the heart and soul/ leader of his squad.

This New Orleans Pelicans team could certainly use for a presence such as him on their roster as well as someone of his particular skill-set.

A sound passer (dished out 5.7 assists last season), willing shooter, and stellar defensive asset, Marcus Smart could easily prove to be a stellar starting backcourt running mate alongside the more scoring-driven Devonte’ Graham and could be a great teammate for this young NOLA core of Ingram and Williamson to have as they look to find a road to success moving forward.