The New York Knicks are just a few weeks away from the start of the regular season, but they still aren’t completely satisfied with their current roster.
The Knicks made some big moves this offseason, acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets and Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves in trades. However, there are some cases where it may not be executed.
“The New York Knicks have had internal discussions about the possibility of signing Marcus Smart, according to a person familiar with the situation,” Knicks insider Chris Plihsainen tweeted. “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.”
Smart, 30, appeared in just 20 games last season in his first year with the Memphis Grizzlies. He spent his first nine NBA seasons with the Boston Celtics before struggling with injuries.
New York has had a summer of change at the point guard position. The team signed Jalen Brunson to a long-term extension, added Cameron Payne in free agency and drafted Tyler Kolek in the second round. The team also has Myles McBride on the roster, who is entering the first year of a three-year extension worth $13 million.
If the Knicks are considering adding Smart, it could very well signal the end of McBride’s tenure with the team. The Knicks reportedly want McBride to stay, so a trade for the two would come as a surprise. However, Smart is one of the league’s best defensive point guards and coach Tom Thibodeau would like to coach him, which is why there is rumored interest from the Knicks.
However, Smart won’t come cheap, so the Knicks would better be prepared to pay if they want to land the veteran point guard.
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