Boston Celtics: Top 3 trade candidates before 2018 deadline

Marcus Smart, PG

Earlier in the offseason, the Celtics were considering moving Marcus Smart to make room for the Hayward signing. While that’s no longer a necessity, it doesn’t necessarily mean that their defensive-minded backup point guard is out of the woods.

At this point, I don’t think Boston is eager to unload Smart. The reason he’s on this list is because he offers more value than most of the other pieces the Celtics currently have to offer — at least those they’d want to part with. Smart is a dynamic perimeter defender, which obviously carries significant weight for teams around the NBA.

The Celtics do have a number of fallback options at point guard if Smart were to be moved. The team is very high on Terry Rozier, a 2015 first round pick who showed marked improvement as a sophomore. Kadeem Allen was also drafted back in June, but is expected to spend his rookie campaign mainly in the G League.

Either way, Boston has options behind Thomas. Losing Smart wouldn’t be ideal, but his defensive prowess and status as a restricted free agent in 2018 make him an intriguing trade chip.

Especially with the re-signing of Thomas on the horizon, the Celtics may not want to have to spend big to keep Smart as well. If they feel a big offer sheet could be coming his way next offseason, maybe they decide to deal him for draft picks or a cheaper alternative.