Celtics news & rumors: Marcus Smart’s injury, JJ Redick trade talk

Just when the Boston Celtics got their core four back together and healthy on the court, the fourth player in that core goes down with an injury as Marcus Smart suffered a Grade 1 strain of the left calf.

In an injury suffered during the team’s 96-96 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, Smart underwent an MRI on Sunday and the results are actually the best cast scenario for the Celtics.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Smart could be out anywhere from two to three weeks, but there is optimism that he could return in one to two weeks.

Boston Celtics should be okay without Marcus Smart

More from Chowder and Champions

• 3 Patriots on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots
• 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
• 10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster Deadline
• MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
• 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season

Knowing the competitor Smart is, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he did return in a week to two weeks as the team is set to go on a five-game West Coast trip that will start next Tuesday.

As the team’s best defensive player, this is a blow for a team that hasn’t been as consistent as they could be on the defensive end.

Both Smart’s intensity and toughness on the basketball court is often the heart of the team’s defensive intensity.  In his absence, other players will have to step up on that end of the court.

On the offensive side, though Smart was averaging 13.2 points per game, his absence could actually help Kemba Walker get back on track.  Along with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics will have enough scoring to make up for the loss of Smart, but bench scoring will be the primary hit the team will take, which leads to some interesting trade rumors.

NBA trade rumors: JJ Redick linked to the Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics could get some bench scoring in the name of a former nemesis.

According to the Athletic’s Shams Charania, the New Orleans Pelicans are looking to trade veteran sharpshooter JJ Redick to a team in the northeast.

Those teams include, not only the Celtics, but the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers.

A return to the 76ers or even a chance to play for his hometown team in Brooklyn appear to be on the top of his list, but the Celtics may have the most to offer the Pelicans in exchange for Redick.

Not only do the Celtics have a piece of the $28 million trade exception, but they also have some younger players they could part ways with like a Carsen Edwards or Javonte Green.  Anything more for a 36-year-old Redick would be too much for a player who would essentially be a rental.

Although limited defensively, Redick would fill the team’s need to a scoring shooting guard off the bench.  He has struggled shooting the ball in New Orleans, but the Celtics and fans have seen how lethal Redick can be when he hot.

As far as this NBA rumor goes, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge should pull the trigger if the price is right, but JJ Redick is just a piece of what this team needs to compete with the top teams in the East.