Boston Celtics fans have had to endure seeing Marcus Smart in purple and gold this season. Fortunately, his time with the Los Angeles Lakers may be ending soon. However, if they trade him, the relief of seeing him relocate could quickly be overshadowed by who acquires him.
The Milwaukee Bucks appear desperate to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo. That's no surprise. And right or wrong, the lengths they're willing to go, including waiving and stretching Damian Lillard's exorbitant contract to acquire Myles Turner, is commendable.
However, Milwaukee is tumbling down the standings as rumors swirl about the two-time MVP's future. The Bucks are 3-7 in their last 10 tilts. With their star sidelined by a calf injury, they're clinging to the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference.
A precipitous fall while Antetokounmpo's out could prompt him to be vocal about a trade demand. It could also cause the franchise to embrace going that route.
However, for now, they're fighting to keep him in the "Cream City."
The Bucks reportedly have trade interest in Marcus Smart
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the former Celtics fan favorite has emerged as a player of interest for Milwaukee. Fischer also mentioned players that ranged from Zach LaVine to Jerami Grant and Andrew Wiggins.
Additionally, he noted, "One rival general manager I spoke to went so far as to say that the Bucks have convinced him that 'they're going big-game hunting.'"
However, from this vantage point, it appears like an endeavor that is unlikely to be successful. Opposing franchises have the right to swap picks with them in the next three drafts and three of the upcoming four years.
For that declaration to come to fruition, it probably requires rolling the dice on Anthony Davis, Ja Morant, or James Harden. Zion Williamson would also fit that description.
Landing a role player like Smart is more realistic. Despite dealing with multiple injuries, the 11-year veteran is averaging 10.3 points, 3.0 assists, and 1.6 steals in 16 appearances.
For a Lakers team that is pursuing a championship this season, it is probably more valuable to keep him in the fold. That's especially given that LeBron James is in the twilight of his career.
Los Angeles is off to an 18-7 start to the 2025-26 campaign. The purple and gold are third in the Western Conference standings. If anything, the Lakers are likely to operate as buyers between now and the trade deadline. So, if they trade Smart, the incentive could be to reroute what they get in return.