Pelicans Rumors: Top 5 Boston Celtics assets in a hypothetical Anthony Davis trade
By Nolan Jensen
#4) Marcus Smart
Now if I’m a Boston Celtics fan, the thought of moving on from Smart is heart-wrenching. He has no quit in his game, his motor is immeasurable. He defends, he hustles, he’s a player every team wants and no team wants to play against. But, with a talent like Anthony Davis on the table, no one is off the table. Ask Celtics GM Danny Ainge, he will say the same thing.
Danny Ainge has encouraged the Pelicans to wait until the offseason to negotiate with the Celtics. Boston remains determined to try and partner Anthony Davis with Kyrie Irving for long-term, but plans to pursue AD regardless of Irving's free agency plans, per sources. https://t.co/Ft8rfe9EBZ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 5, 2019
In all likelihood, Marcus Smart would have to be involved to expedite negotiations. In 2018/19 Smart averaged: 8.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.8 steals. His stats may sound pedestrian, but they do not fully encompass his worth on the basketball court.
The Pelicans were amongst the worst teams in the league defensively, and his tenacity on that end of the court could prove contagious to the youth in their locker room.