While the Celtics aren't expected to be major players in free agency, Brad Stevens may not be done shaking up the roster yet.
So far, Stevens' first offseason as president of basketball operations has seen him trade away Kemba Walker and Tristan Thompson while bringing in Al Horford, Josh Richardson, Kris Dunn and Bruno Fernando.
Could his next big move be trading away Marcus Smart? It certainly sounds like that's a possibility based on the latest report from Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix, who cites sources in writing that Stevens "has been frustrated by Smart’s unpredictable play in recent years" and that it's "more likely Stevens will look to trade Smart before the start of the season" rather than extend him.
Smart is entering the final year of a four-year deal and is due $13.8 million. The 27-year-old guard is the Celtics' longest-tenured player, having joined the team in 2014. His defense and hustle plays have twice landed him on the NBA's All-Defensive First Team and made him a fan favorite, but he has also come under criticism for his shot selection and for letting his emotions get the better of him at times.
Mannix reports that the Celtics shopped Smart last season, but that Danny Ainge "valued him like an All-Star" and was seeking multiple first-round picks in return. Mannix cites an Eastern Conference executive who says Smart could land the Celtics a first-round pick and a rotational player now.
Unsurprisingly, Mannix adds that Boston "isn't too comfortable" entering the season with Smart and Payton Pritchard as their top two point guard options. The C's have been linked to longtime Spurs guard Patty Mills quite a bit, and Mannix mentions him as a free-agent option as well.
Mannix also reports that the Celtics are interested in Spencer Dinwiddie, who has spent the last five seasons with the Nets, but that he could be out of their price range as he seeks a contract in the five-year, $125 million range. Celtics coach Ime Udoka has worked with both Mills and Dinwiddie as an assistant coach.
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