The Minnesota Timberwolves have struggled quite a bit in their recent history, only making the playoffs once since the 2003-04 season. After many seasons filled with disappointment, the growth of Karl Anthony-Towns and the subsequent arrival of Anthony Edwards has made a difference for the franchise and the Wolves currently hold the 7th seed in the Western Conference with a 26-25 record.
Usually sellers at the trade deadline nearly every season, the Wolves are reportedly looking to bring in some talent this February, and one of the recent names linked to them in terms of a trade is Boston’s Marcus Smart. Trading Patrick Beverley is on the agenda for Minnesota according to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer, and he has claimed that Smart is their ideal target, with Malik Beasley also being made available in a possible deal.
“Before Patrick Beverley reaches free agency, Minnesota is exploring trade avenues involving its veteran point guard in addition to the Timberwolves’ conversations regarding Malik Beasley. Marcus Smart has been mentioned as a recent target for Minnesota who would fill Beverley’s integral role in the Wolves starting lineup,” Fischer said.
Smart is a 2-time NBA All-Defensive Team player, someone who can shoot the ball from beyond the arc and make the sort of hustle plays that help build a winning defensive culture. Playing him next to D’Angelo Russell would ensure a very well-balanced backcourt for the Timberwolves, which would see Anthony Edwards likely play small forward.
For the Boston Celtics, this could end up being a trade that is beneficial to them as they look to shed some salary to avoid going into the luxury tax. Beverley’s expiring deal would be beneficial to the Celtics on that front. They’re not too high on Smart anymore either, as the team has continued to slide back following two Eastern Conference finals appearances in the last 4 seasons. Boston is the 9th seed in the Eastern Conference and changes are likely as they try to get back to the top.
