Marcus Smart, Boston Celtics
Not only is this one a long shot, it would require additional moves to make sense roster-wise. If the Ricky Rubio-Rudy Gobert-Derrick Favors trio is offensively challenged, throwing Marcus Smart into the mix would really kill spacing and could put the Jazz in the running for the title of most inept offensive team of the modern era.
Smart has yet to shoot better than 36.7 percent from the floor and is a career 29-percent 3-point shooter.
Having said that, he’s a defensive dynamo who can play lock-down ball on three positions. We’re talking elite-level D in the backcourt, on the wings and against hotel picture frames. When he’s on the court this season, Boston surrenders just 98.9 points per 100 possessions.
If I’m Danny Ainge, I want him in-town long-term. However, Smart is about to hit restricted free agency and could be looking at a huge offer sheet, even in a tight market. Meanwhile, the Celtics already have more than $107 million on the books for next season. Something has to give.
Next: Brooklyn Nets