Analyst bearish on idea of former Boston Celtics heart and soul landing with the Knicks

All Knicks' Jonah Morgan wasn't overly interested in the idea of New York trading for former Boston Celtics heart and soul Marcus Smart at the trade deadline.

"Smart won Defensive Player of the Year two seasons ago, and has been named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team three times, which would fit perfectly with head coach Tom Thibodeau's desires," Morgan wrote. "The Knicks have always taken pride in their defense, and Smart's hustle would provide an immediate impact. But the team is on an eight-game win streak right now, so it might be in the team's best interest to leave the roster alone."

Forbes' Morten Stig Jensen made the case for Smart on the Knicks that Morgan was responding to.

"Smart would fit like a hand-in-glove in head coach Tom Thibodeau's defensive-oriented system, which in theory could see the Knicks level up even more than they already have since acquiring Anunoby," Jensen writes. "It's, of course, a fairly large financial commitment for the Knicks, but one they can justify. For one, they play in arguably the largest market in the NBA, and they look well on their way to make a deep postseason run this season, which would generate more income."

Marcus Smart only lands with Knicks if he's traded for former Boston Celtics teammate

The only way Smart ends up with the Knicks is if New York is able to convince the Memphis Grizzlies to take on the contract of his former Celtics teammate, Evan Fournier. In general, Fournier is the key to the Knicks upgrading their roster without uprooting the successful lineup they've built in the wake of the R.J. Barrett/Immanuel Quickley-for-OG Anunoby/Precious Achiuwa swap.

Smart being traded while injured doesn't seem all too likely, and the Grizzlies may want to see what a fully healthy lineup including Smart, Ja Morant, and a potentially re-signed Steven Adams could do in Memphis.

While the visual of Smart in New York is not one fans want to think about, it's not one that needs all that much thought given it's low likelihood.