NBA Rumors: Knicks Interested In Trading For Former Celtics Star

The New York Knicks swung a blockbuster trade last week when they reportedly acquired Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

And the Knicks might not be done on the trade market just yet, and a former Celtics star could be in their sights.

Kris Pursiainen, who covers the Knicks for BallisLife.com, reported Friday night that New York is interested in pursuing a trade for Marcus Smart.

"The New York Knicks have had internal discussions about a potential deal for Marcus Smart per sources familiar with the situation," Pursiainen posted on the X platform. "NYK has had rumored interest in Smart before. No deal is imminent but several sources indicated the Knicks are willing to be active on the market."

The Knicks know all about Smart from the nine seasons he spent with the Celtics after Boston selected him sixth overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. Smart developed into a fiery leader and stout defender during his time with the Celtics and became the first guard since Gary Payton to win Defensive Player of the Year honors for the 2021-22 season.

Smart, who averaged 10.6 points, 4.6 assists and 3.5 rebounds during his time with the Celtics while shooting 32.3% from 3-point range, helped the Celtics go on five trips to Eastern Conference finals and make one NBA Finals appearance in 2022.

But Smart watched from afar as the Celtics reached the mountaintop this past June and won an NBA title -- something he never did with the franchise. The Celtics traded Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team deal prior to the start of last season that ultimately netted Boston Kristaps Porzingis.

Smart's first season with the Grizzlies was a lost one. He played in just 20 games as he missed the final three months of the season due to a finger injury. The 30-year-old did average a career-high 14.7 points per game in his abbreviated season.

The injury prevented Smart from being on the court when the Grizzlies visited the Celtics last season. But if Smart ends up on the Knicks soon, he would have four chances to get back at his former team, including when the Celtics raise their championship banner on opening night.