The New Orleans Pelicans need smart, tough players who play good defense and can cover multiple spots.
On paper, one of the ideal players would be Marcus Smart from the Boston Celtics.
Normally the Celtics would likely laugh in your face, as Smart is very good, the emotional leader of the team and the exact type of ego-less player you want to put around your stars.
But the Celtics are underperforming this season and may be looking to shake things up. Also, Marcus Smart is currently out for weeks with an injury and the Celtics may need some players to stay above water while they wait for him to return.
The question is what it would take to pry him away?
New Orleans Pelicans: Could the Pels trade for Marcus Smart?
The Celtics are not going to give Smart away and it would probably take a pretty big offer to get him.
Danny Ainge is not known for getting fleeced in trades, so the Pels aren’t getting Smart unless they give up something in return.
His contract matches up with Eric Bledsoe’s but the Pels would have to add further assets to even get the Celtics to pick up the phone.
Obviously, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram aren’t going anywhere and Lonzo Ball is playing himself into that category even though he is on the final year of his contract.
Would a 1st-round pick be enough to entice the Celtics? Ainge does love his draft assets but it might not be enough for a Marcus Smart even though he is injured.
Who says no?