Boston Celtics: 3 steps the Celtics can take to improve this offseason

Boston Celtics Step No. 2: Trade Marcus Smart

With Ainge’s – and the rest of Boston’s – admiration for Smart, it is unlikely he ever gets rid of him unless a lopsided deal falls into his lap.

Still, a few teams have shown interest, and it is easy to move Smart’s salary if the organization is forced to make a move. Mostly, contending teams have shown interest in the guard as a ‘glue’ role player.

The Golden State Warriors are probably the frontrunner for Smart. The Warriors seem to be dangling the second pick hoping to win a very competitive Western Conference next season. If they could get Smart for a couple of years coming off the bench, it is going to be hard to defeat Golden State in the coming years.

With the second pick, the Celtics may be able to get LaMelo Ball to backup Walker for the long-term future and eventually take the reigns from him. Or possibly James Wiseman, a reliable long-term center.

The problem is that a trade with the Warriors may not solve their salary or roster problems, needing to get rid of draft picks unless they get Euro-stashes. It also may push their timetable further into the future.

Another trading partner is the Brooklyn Nets. With Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant at the helm, Brooklyn may shop Spencer Dinwiddle at some point. Especially with the expressive personalities of all three players. If something happens with the Nets, they may let go of Dinwiddle.

The Celtics in need of a scoring guard would love to have a scoring option than Smart. Dinwiddle is a reliable scorer who can contribute at either one or two in numerous ways.

The Nets, in return, would get a selfless defensive-minded guy for a team expecting to make a title run. Having a defensive anchor next to Irving, one who already knows Smart’s game, could be great for the Nets.

But it is clear that at every level, Brooklyn is Durant’s and Irving’s team. Depending on how Smart and Irving’s relationship changed after his breakup from Boston may affect the likelihood.

The Celtics would have to give up multiple picks and maybe a role player as well, but with the surplus of picks at their fingertips, it might make sense.

With that said, it is unlikely that Smart is shipped away. Trading him may create more problems than solutions, but if the right offer is thrown on the table, it is a real possibility.