The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Eight intriguing players around NBA reportedly being shopped

By Jared Woodcox

NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 5: Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz dunks the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 5, 2018 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 5: Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz dunks the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans on February 5, 2018 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Marcus Smart Boston Celtics
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 23: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics calls for the ball during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 23, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Marcus Smart

The Boston Celtics have had a tremendous season this year and clearly believe they have a chance to win it all if things go right for them. Therefore, with their eyes on the prize, they appear determined to make beneficial roster moves that could help improve their chances of hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy come season’s end.

With that being the case, they’re already reportedly set to add Greg Monroe to their roster after he was bought out by the Phoenix Suns, but it appears that they won’t stop there. Several reports, initiating with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, have indicated that the Celtics are looking to move Marcus Smart.

In some ways, Smart could be an excellent fit for Utah. His bulldog personality on defense and ability to guard several positions would make him a precious commodity for the defensive-minded Jazz. Though he has his faults, he plays with an intensity and tenacity that produce game-winning plays based off of effort alone.

Some have even suggested that some sort of Marcus Smart-Rodney Hood swap could be a target for the Jazz. Both are set to be restricted free agents at the end of the year and both could potentially fill a need on their hypothetical new teams.

Nevertheless, in spite of Smart’s potential positives, he isn’t a trade target that I’m a fan of for the Jazz. Despite an offensive explosion during Utah’s recent winning streak, they’ve had some struggles shooting and scoring this season. And adding Smart to the mix would likely only hurt them in that regard. He’s a career 35.8 percent from the field and 29.3 percent from deep, both horrible marks.

Especially if Ricky Rubio reverts to his norm, Smart could very well make Utah’s poor spacing even worse. Throw in the fact that he could potentially command a higher paycheck this summer in restricted free agency and that makes him a risky player to trade for.

Not only that, but it has been reported that the Celtics are seeking a first-round pick in exchange for Smart, which seems like an extremely high ask. I would personally be disappointed if Utah gave up their valuable pick for an offensive black hole like Smart, even if his defensive prowess could help the team in other ways.