Report: Knicks interested in acquiring Marcus Smart
The Boston Celtics have reportedly placed Marcus Smart on the trading block, with an Atlantic Division rival perhaps looking to put themselves in the mix to land him.
The New York Knicks appear to be interested in acquiring the 23-year-old guard, a source told The New York Post's Marc Berman.
With $15 million at their disposal once the cap hold on former league MVP Derrick Rose is renounced, the Knicks are reportedly keen on filling that space through trade, which could come in the form of a deal with Boston.
Smart will only make $4.5 million in 2017-18 and will become a restricted free agent the following year once he's tendered his qualifying offer of just over $6 million.
The Celtics need to shed salary to make room for incoming All-Star Gordon Hayward, who recently agreed to a four-year, $128-million contract to reunite with former Butler Bulldogs head coach Brad Stevens. A sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz is reportedly on the table, as well, with Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder also being made available.
Smart is a tenacious defender, with below-average shooting percentages and playmaking skills. New York did draft a point guard eighth overall in Frenchman Frank Ntilikina, although Smart is better equipped to serve as a two-guard and work off the ball.
Smart's scoring numbers jumped slightly this past season, from 9.1 to 10.6 points per game, despite averaging three more minutes of playing time than he did the year prior.
He also connected on 35.9 percent from the field and 28.3 percent from deep.