Fresh off a run to the NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics could be on the verge of making a ground-breaking trade.
With a package centered around Jaylen Brown, the Cs could pull off a deal for Kevin Durant, who is reportedly done with the failed experiment in Brooklyn.
But any trade involving KD and Boston is going to come with some complications. Namely, it’s the inclusion of Marcus Smart that could be problematic. Not only do the Celtics want to keep the young defensive star, but Durant is noted to have a desire to play with him. He might even be one of the reasons he is open to a move to New England.
(via SNY)
Durant sees Boston as a desired landing spot, per people familiar with the matter. Durant also would like to play with Boston’s Marcus Smart if he is traded to the Celtics, per people familiar with the matter.
The Athletic had previously reported that Brooklyn wanted Smart included in a package from the Celtics in any Durant trade.
It is unknown if Boston and Brooklyn have made progress on a deal. SNY reported last week that there had been pessimism about a Durant trade being completed in the near future.
That was before Durant met with Nets governor Joe Tsai and delivered an ultimatum, telling Tsai to trade him or fire general manager Sean Marks and head coach Steve Nash.
Marcus Smart isn’t the best player on the Celtics, but what he brings to the table as a leader and defender is truly unmatched.
During the 2022-23 campaign, Smart averaged 21.1 points, 5.9 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game on 41.8% shooting.
It makes sense why Durant would want to play with him, but the Celtics might have to ship him to Brooklyn if they want any chance of acquiring KD. Something will have to give in this scenario, and we will find out soon enough what it is.
