Marcus Smart is officially a member of the Lakers as longtime Celtics fans have to see him suit up for their storied rival. But, turns out, it could’ve been worse had the Wizards found a trade partner for Smart’s expiring contract.
Per NBA insider Jake Fischer, multiple Celtics rivals spoke with the Wizards about a potential trade. However, Washington wasn’t able to come to terms which is why the Wizards bought out Smart’s $21.6 million left on his deal.
“There was at one point in time conversation between the Wizards and the Milwaukee Bucks about finding some type of trade for Marcus Smart,” Fischer said. “There were some talks between Miami and Washington about Marcus Smart. I think there was a framework being contemplated about Marcus Smart being traded for Terry Rozier at one point in time. Smart was definitely someone the Atlanta Hawks were considering when the Hawks were going through all their options for what to do, who to bring in, how to improve their roster by way for their $25 million traded player exception.”
While C’s fans have to watch Smart on the Lakers, realistically, they’ll only see him two times per year. Smart also wouldn’t be a playoff foe until the NBA Finals for both sides, though the Celtics and Lakers aren’t expected to make it that far going into next season. Still, for the most part, Smart is on the other coast.
But Smart on the Heat would’ve been a different story. The two rivals aren’t at the peak of their powers anymore like their many playoff battles earlier this decade. But seeing Smart consistently would’ve been another story. Fortunately, Celtics fans don’t have to watch that since the teams weren’t able to come to a deal.
The other teams would’ve been interesting fits for Smart. The Bucks and Hawks are at least looking to compete next season after making some big moves this offseason. The Hawks ended up landing big man Kristaps Porzingis from the Celtics as they’re looking like a potentially dangerous East team next season.
The Bucks also reportedly pursued Smart in free agency, so seeing their name is no surprise. They’re looking to maximize their time with Giannis Antetokounmpo on their roster, having already made their big moves by waiving Damian Lillard and signing Myles Turner in free agency. The Suns were also connected with Smart, though they’re unlikely to be contending much next season.
So, yes, Smart is a Laker and that likely felt some type of way for Celtics fans. But seeing him in a Heat jersey also would’ve been strange — especially since Smart was part of those epic playoff battles in the past several years.
