Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G Marcus Smart, F/C Daniel Theis
Boston Celtics Receive: D’Angelo Russell, 2023 First-Round Pick (BOS)
Could the Boston Celtics really look to move Smart so quickly after an NBA Finals appearance?
It does feel unlikely. Many fans will tell you that Smart is the heart and soul of this Celtics team. Having said that, it’s fair to question whether this deal would make them better in 2022-23.
As we mentioned, unforced turnovers were a major problem for the Celtics in the NBA Finals. Smart was to blame for many of them. As much as the reigning Defensive Player of the Year contributes to this squad, he’s not a natural floor general.
Here, the Celtics make a deal that may fulfill their needs. Trading Smart wouldn’t be easy, but it may be wise for this return. Gaining a player who fills a team need while also gaining a first-round pick feels like a win. When it’s a first-round pick in a potentially historic draft you’re not otherwise selecting in, it could be a no-brainer.
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Who knows? If Russell fits in with the rest of the stars on this Celtics team, they may not have any failures to speak of by the end of 2022-23.
