Last week, the New York Knicks made headlines with a significant trade, acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
However, the Knicks may not be finished dealing, as they reportedly have their eyes on a former Celtics standout.
Kris Pursiainen, a writer for BallisLife.com who covers the Knicks, revealed on Friday night that New York is actively considering a trade for Marcus Smart.
“The New York Knicks have engaged in internal discussions about a possible trade for Marcus Smart, according to sources close to the situation,” Pursiainen shared on the X platform. “The Knicks have previously shown interest in Smart. Although no deal is currently imminent, several sources have indicated that New York is keen to remain active in the trade market.”
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The Knicks are quite familiar with Smart, given his nine-season tenure with the Celtics, where he was selected sixth overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. During his time in Boston, Smart evolved into a passionate leader and tenacious defender, becoming the first guard since Gary Payton to be named Defensive Player of the Year for the 2021-22 season.
In his career with the Celtics, Smart averaged 10.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.5 rebounds, shooting 32.3% from beyond the arc. He played a pivotal role in leading the Celtics to five Eastern Conference Finals and an NBA Finals appearance in 2022.
This past June, Smart watched from the sidelines as the Celtics captured the NBA title—an achievement that eluded him during his time with the team. Prior to the last season, the Celtics traded Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team deal that brought Kristaps Porzingis to Boston.
Smart’s inaugural season with the Grizzlies was less than ideal. He participated in only 20 games, as a finger injury sidelined him for the final three months of the season. Nevertheless, the 30-year-old managed to average a career-high of 14.7 points per game in the limited games he played.
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The injury kept Smart from competing when the Grizzlies faced the Celtics last season. However, if he joins the Knicks soon, he will have four chances to face his former team, including a matchup on opening night when the Celtics raise their championship banner.
# New York Knicks Eye Marcus Smart Following Karl-Anthony Towns Trade
The New York Knicks are reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring Marcus Smart, a move that comes on the heels of a significant trade involving Karl-Anthony Towns. This potential shift in player roster could greatly impact the Knicks’ strategy and performance in the upcoming NBA season. In this article, we delve into the implications of the Knicks’ interest in Smart, the context of the Towns trade, and how these developments could reshape the team’s dynamics.
## Background on the Marcus Smart Interest
Recent reports indicate that the Knicks have had internal discussions about trading for Marcus Smart, the talented guard from the Boston Celtics [[1](https://twitter.com/krispursiainen/status/1842375514981359665)]. Smart, known for his defensive prowess and leadership capabilities, could be a pivotal addition to the Knicks, particularly after the recent shake-up involving Towns.
### Who is Marcus Smart?
Marcus Smart, a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year, has established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic defenders. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively makes him a valuable asset. Key characteristics of Smart include:
– **Defensive Excellence**: Smart is recognized for his tenacity on defense, often taking on the toughest assignments against opposing teams.
– **Playmaking Skills**: Beyond his defensive capabilities, Smart has shown improvement in facilitating plays, making him a dual threat on the court.
– **Team Leadership**: With extensive playoff experience, Smart’s leadership could bolster the Knicks both on and off the court.
## Implications of the Karl-Anthony Towns Trade
The decision to pursue Marcus Smart is partly influenced by the recent trade involving Karl-Anthony Towns. The Minnesota Timberwolves made headlines when they traded Towns, a two-time All-Star, which has set off a chain reaction in the league and particularly within the Knicks organization.
### Overview of the Towns Trade
– **Teams Involved**: Minnesota Timberwolves and another franchise (details of the trade vary by source).
– **Impact on the Timberwolves**: This trade signifies a shift in roster strategy for the Timberwolves, potentially opening up opportunities for the Knicks to capitalize on their new direction.
– **Knicks’ Response**: In light of this trade, the Knicks are assessing how they can enhance their roster to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.
### Why the Knicks are Targeting Smart
The Knicks are looking to build a more versatile and resilient team, and Marcus Smart fits this vision perfectly. Here are several reasons behind their interest:
1. **Defensive Enhancement**: Smart’s defensive skills could significantly improve the Knicks’ backcourt, which struggled with consistency last season.
2. **Versatile Guard Play**: With Smart’s ability to play both guard positions, he would provide the Knicks with flexibility in their lineup.
3. **Winning Mentality**: Smart has been part of a playoff-contending team, bringing a winning culture that the Knicks aim to foster.
## Potential Benefits of Acquiring Marcus Smart
Acquiring Marcus Smart could present numerous benefits for the Knicks. Below are some of the key advantages:
### Improved Defense
With Smart in the lineup, the Knicks would likely see improvements in their defensive metrics. His presence would not only enhance perimeter defense but also instill a defensive-first mentality throughout the team.
### Enhanced Playmaking
Smart’s playmaking abilities can relieve pressure off Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson, allowing them to focus more on scoring. This balance could lead to a more efficient offensive system.
### Leadership on Young Roster
As the Knicks continue to develop younger talent, having a seasoned player like Smart can guide their growth. His experience in high-pressure situations would be invaluable for the team’s younger players.
### Building Team Chemistry
Integrating Smart into the Knicks’ system could foster better team chemistry. His unselfish style of play and willingness to distribute the ball would complement the Knicks’ current roster.
## Trade Scenarios for Marcus Smart
While the Knicks have shown interest, the logistics of a trade for Smart require careful consideration. Here are potential trade scenarios that could emerge:
### Scenario 1: Straight Trade
The Knicks could offer a combination of players and draft picks to acquire Smart directly. This would involve negotiating terms that satisfy both teams while ensuring value is exchanged.
### Scenario 2: Multi-Team Trade
Given the complexity of the NBA trade market, a multi-team deal could also be an option. This would involve the Knicks, Celtics, and possibly another team, where various assets are traded to facilitate Smart’s move to New York.
### Scenario 3: Future Draft Capital
The Knicks could look to leverage future draft picks as part of the deal. Providing the Celtics with a solid draft strategy could make the trade more appealing to Boston.
## Case Studies of Successful Trades
To further understand the potential impact of acquiring Marcus Smart, we can look at recent successful trades in the NBA:
| Team | Player Traded | Outcome |
|—————-|—————-|———————————————|
| Boston Celtics | Kyrie Irving | Rebuilt team chemistry and improved defense |
| Miami Heat | Jimmy Butler | Elevated team to championship contention |
| Toronto Raptors | Kawhi Leonard | Won NBA Championship in 2019 |
These case studies highlight that strategic trades often lead to immediate competitive advantages, underscoring the Knicks’ potential advantages should they secure Marcus Smart.
## Conclusion
The New York Knicks’ potential pursuit of Marcus Smart following the Karl-Anthony Towns trade reflects a critical moment in their ongoing efforts to build a competitive team. Smart’s combination of defensive skill, playmaking ability, and leadership could significantly enhance the Knicks’ roster. As the trade discussions continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the Knicks navigate this opportunity and what it means for their aspirations in the upcoming NBA season.
