One NBA writer is proposing that the Boston Celtics trade former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart to the Houston Rockets this summer.
Jason Ounpraseuth of NESN proposed that the Celtics send Smart to the Rockets for Jalen Green, Jae’Sean Tate, and the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
“Smart has been viewed as the heart and soul of the team in his nine-year career with the Celtics,” Ounpraseuth wrote. “But he has not helped the team win a championship, and Stevens must determine if he has the skills to do that. The All-Defensive guard also will be 30 next season. While renowned for his toughness and his grit, the time will come when his body just gives up on him, and his physical traits on defense will become less of an asset.
“The loss of Smart’s leadership will be lost, but Brown and Tatum will just have to pick up that slack. The Celtics should act sooner rather than later to sell high on Smart before his skills fall off a cliff. Ime Udoka could use Smart’s leadership and toughness for a young Rockets team. Boston could acquire Jalen Green, Jae’Sean Tate, and the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft for Smart. Green is a dynamic scorer, and at 21 years old, he can grow into becoming a better defender. Tate also provides positional flexibility on switches and can be a valuable bench player.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics & Houston Rockets Updates
Smart signed a four-year, $76.5 million extension with the Celtics in August 2021. He’ll make $18.6 million next season for the Celtics, who lost to the Miami Heat in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals in seven games.
The 29-year-old Smart averaged 11.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists this season, shooting 41.5% from the field, 33.6% from beyond the arc, and 74.6% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics & Houston Rockets Updates
The Celtics drafted the rugged defender with the sixth overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft out of Oklahoma State.
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