The New York Knicks made a huge trade last week, reportedly acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
And the Knicks may not be finished on the trade market just yet, with a former Celtics star potentially coming into their sights.
Chris Prussiainen covers the Knicks for BallisLife.com. reported on Friday night New York is reportedly interested in trading Marcus Smart.
“According to sources familiar with the situation, the New York Knicks have had internal discussions regarding the possibility of signing Marcus Smart,” Pursiainen wrote on the X Platform. “NYK has previously been rumored to be interested in Smart. While no deal is imminent, multiple sources have indicated the Knicks are willing to be active in the market.”
Story continues below ad
The Knicks are familiar with Smart from his nine seasons with the Celtics, after Boston selected him sixth overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. Smart developed into a fiery leader and stalwart defender during his time with the Celtics, becoming the first guard since Gary Payton to earn Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2021-22.
Smart averaged 10.6 points, 4.6 assists, 3.5 rebounds and shot 32.3% from 3-point range during his time with the Celtics, helping the Celtics reach five Eastern Conference Finals and one in the NBA Finals in 2022. He contributed to the team’s appearance.
But while Smart watched from afar as the Celtics reached the top and won the NBA title this past June, he wasn’t able to do it with the Celtics. The Celtics traded Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team deal before the start of last season, ultimately acquiring Kristaps Porzingis from Boston.
Smart’s first season with the Grizzlies was a failure. He played in just 20 games, missing the final three months of the season due to a finger injury. The 30-year-old averaged a career-high 14.7 points per game in the shortened season.
Story continues below ad
When the Grizzlies visited the Celtics last season, Smart was unable to take the court due to an injury. But if Smart ends up with the Knicks right away, he would have four chances to return to his former team, including when the Celtics hoisted the pennant on Opening Day.