Marcus Smart Trade Enhances Knicks?

Tom Thibodeau's basketball identity is becoming the New York Knicks’. Minus the stretchiness of Karl-Anthony Towns, the roster's core includes parts of a formidable defensive unit. However, in light of the recent trade rumor of the Knicks having Marcus Smart on their "radar," such a move suggests an upgraded future from their current reality.

So … What would adding Smart do for the Knicks?

It's easy to forget Smart as a legitimate defensive stud, as he currently sits on the Memphis Grizzlies, who missed the 2024 postseason due to roster ravaged by injuries.

According to Synergy Sports' database, Smart is still a "very good" defender. The Grizzlies'  defensive assignments for the 2023-24 season shot a significantly inefficient 47.4 effective field goal percentage. History also supports Smart as one of the league's better defenders.

Smart won Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, helping lead the Boston Celtics' young core to the NBA Finals in the same season. The Texas native made history by becoming the first guard to win the aformentioned award since Seattle SuperSonics Gary Payton in 1996.

If the Knicks added Smart to the roster, Thibodeau could unlock one of the smallest linesups in the league. Although Smart enters his year-30 season, he would enhance New York's defensive potential in lineups featuring Jalen Brunson.

Furthermore, trading for Smart would make the "OG Anunoby as a power forward" move even more sensible. Thibodeau would also have a a built-in coach on the floor regarding defense.

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However, adding Smart would mean taking pieces away from the Knicks, as the Grizzlies guard has an annual salary of $20 million for the 2024-25 season. Aside from Brunson, as he's as untouchable as a stove set to its highest temperature, other members of the "Villanova" Knicks have little-to-no chance of being included in such a potential trade for Smart.

However, Leon Rose recently proved he's willing to do what it takes to build a contender, even if it means breaking up a college reunion.