Beloved Former Celtic Reportedly on the Trade Block Ahead of Deadline

The 2024-25 NBA trade deadline is nearly here, and Boston Celtics fans are curious to see what general manager Brad Stevens has planned for the coming days.

The Celtics have been one of the NBA's best teams all season, but they also haven't won three straight games in nearly a month. Throw in the fact that they're still desperately trying to catch the Cleveland Cavaliers for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, and it's even easier to see that there's room for improvement.

As fans debate which current Celtics could be on their way out the door by the deadline, one former Boston fan favorite could be in danger of being shipped out of his current home.

Celtics Trade Rumors: Grizzlies Could Trade Marcus Smart Before Deadline

On Friday, ESPN NBA insiders Tim Bontemps and Briand Windhorst reported that former Celtics and current Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart could be involved in a deadline deal.

"One Memphis player to watch over the next week is guard Marcus Smart," Bontemps wrote. "League sources told me there has been plenty of discussion about the former Defensive Player of the Year in recent weeks."

It's been a quick fall from grace for Smart, who was traded to the Grizzlies in June 2023 in a three-team deal that saw the Washington Wizards send Kristaps Porzingis to the Celtics. Boston also got two first-round picks from Memphis in the trade, making it easy to see who officially won it in the end.

Nevertheless, it isn't shocking that the Grizzlies want to trade Smart, who's been limited to 38 games in the last two seasons due to injuries. The ex-Oklahoma State playmaker has looked like a shell of his former self throughout his 18 appearances in 2024-25, averaging 9.2 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 37.3% from the field and 33.3% from deep.

It remains to be seen if a playoff-bound team will be willing to roll the dice on Smart — especially at his current price. The former 2022 DPOY carries a $20.2 million cap hit for the current season and that number will slightly jump to $21.5 million for the 2025-26 campaign, meaning any potential deal will involve a two-year commitment.

The clock is ticking on the Grizzlies to trade the former beloved Celtic. This year's NBA trade deadline will officially go into effect on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 3 p.m. ET.

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