Boston Celtics: One pro and con in trading Marcus Smart
It’s been reported that Marcus Smart is available in trade talks if the offer is right. Is this a good idea for the Boston Celtics?
On a recent podcast by ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, he reported that Marcus Smart is available in trade talks. The Boston Celtics are supposedly eyeing a first round pick in any trade involving the defensive-minded guard.
The range of the first round pick will depend on if there are any extra pieces. A team that will be picking toward the end of the first round will more than likely have to attach a young player or other cheap contract.
Marcus Smart is one of the best defensive players in the NBA and will give you 110 percent no matter the situation. Not necessarily known for his offensive game, Smart will have to improve in that category if he wants to be considered a two-way player.
The 23-year-old is having another successful season, however.
| Season | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 27.0 | 2.6 | 7.1 | .367 | 1.4 | 4.1 | .335 | 1.2 | 1.9 | .646 | 3.3 | 3.1 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 7.8 |
| 2015-16 | 27.3 | 3.0 | 8.7 | .348 | 1.0 | 4.0 | .253 | 2.1 | 2.7 | .777 | 4.2 | 3.0 | 1.5 | 0.3 | 9.1 |
| 2016-17 | 30.4 | 3.4 | 9.5 | .359 | 1.2 | 4.2 | .283 | 2.6 | 3.2 | .812 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 1.6 | 0.4 | 10.6 |
| 2017-18 | 30.3 | 3.5 | 9.7 | .357 | 1.4 | 4.6 | .299 | 1.8 | 2.4 | .736 | 3.6 | 4.7 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 10.1 |
| Career | 28.7 | 3.1 | 8.7 | .358 | 1.2 | 4.2 | .293 | 2.0 | 2.6 | .758 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 1.5 | 0.4 | 9.4 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 2/5/2018.
It appears that the 9-10 point range is sort of his peak unless he develops a better jump shot. Smart can shut down any player on the defensive end, but his game lacks shooting. He’s by all means a valuable piece to what the Celtics are able to do in terms of defense. But, is it the right time to trade him?
Con:
Let’s get all the negative energy out of the way first.
The one big con in trading Smart is that you’re losing a valuable player on the defensive end. He’s a leader, bulldog and will continue to bring the energy every single night. Evan Turner, a former Celtic himself, had some words for the Boston Herald following the Celtics’ buzzer-beater win against the Portland Trail Blazers.
"“I know people are upset, but that’s Marcus Smart. He’s the same dude that would break his rib for a loose ball up 20. That was crazy. That was crazy. Honestly, this is all I’ll say. Smart’s the best dude you’ll ever meet.”"
There’s no denying that people love his intensity and play. If Boston were to trade him, it would easily lose its best defensive player. He has the ability to guard anyone because he’s so physical and gives 110 percent.
Would Boston still be able to perform as one of the best defensive teams without him? Probably, but, is he worth losing? Personally, I think it would be a bad decision. We saw last season in the playoffs the Celtics choosing to place Smart on the opposing team’s best wing option. The result… success.
To sum everything up, the Celtics would sorely miss his leadership, intensity and defensive presence.
Denver is among the teams that has explored Marcus Smart trade scenarios with Boston, according to league sources. Emmanuel Mudiay has been made available, sources say, but the Celts covet a first-round pick for Smart
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 5, 2018
Pro:
The pro to trading away Smart is that you’re getting an asset in a first round pick for a player you might not be able to afford come this offseason. Smart is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of this season. This basically allows him to sign with any team he desires. The Celtics will have the opportunity to match any offer he signs. If they match the offer, they get him; if they choose not to, Smart walks.
There’s no telling if he would sign a contract out of the range the Celtics are willing to match. Ultimately, the team might just be listening to offers because they’re unsure of what the future holds for the guard and the team.
The team is so put together defensively that it should be fine without him come the playoffs, but you never know. Offensively, the Celtics still struggle. It would be ideal if they could also receive a great offensive threat, along with a first round pick. Who knows what Danny Ainge has up his sleeve, but if they were to trade him, it would be best to get some offensive help.
The Celtics rank 23rd on average for points per game — not a good area to be ranked if you’re one of the best teams in the league. Sure, you can beat opponents defensively, but teams like the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors are not easy teams to stop defensively. You may be able to win one or two, but winning four games will be not come easy.
Next: 2018 NBA Draft big board: End of January
There are many pros and cons to trading Smart. The main things that stick out are losing his defensive presence, but at the same time earning a valuable asset before he may decide to sign elsewhere for more money. The Celtics have a big decision on hand to make within the next few days, with the trade deadline set for Feb. 8.