Celtics rivals reportedly interested in acquiring Marcus Smart this offseason

This summer, Marcus Smart might be available for purchase.

Now on his third team with the Wizards, the former Celtics star may end up being the odd man out on a Washington squad that has 17 players signed for the upcoming campaign.

The Wizards need to cut a few players before the upcoming season begins, and a senior guard like Smart with an expiring contract makes perfect sense given his $21.6 million salary and the team’s emphasis on developing younger players. The NBA has set a roster restriction of 15.

It appears that some of the Celtics’ major opponents are closely monitoring the veteran Boston guard, whether it’s a buyout by the Wizards or the organization maybe dangling Smart and his expiring deal in a trade.

The Los Angeles Lakers have had initial discussions regarding Smart’s availability this offseason in the event that Washington trades him, according to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints. The Knicks, who eliminated Boston’s hopes of winning the championship again this spring, are also interested in a defensive-minded guard like Smart.

The Knicks are keeping an eye on Smart, who may become a free agent if Washington chooses to just buy out his contract to clear a roster spot, according to Stefon Bondy of the New York Post.

Since the Celtics moved Smart to Memphis in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis, Smart has been beset by injuries. Before being traded to Washington at the trade deadline, the 2021–22 Defensive Player of the Year spent just 39 games overall with the Grizzlies during the course of a season and a half.

In 34 games played between the Grizzlies and Wizards last season, the 31-year-old guard averaged 9.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.

A Knicks team that is projected to be among the favorites in a weak Eastern Conference in 2025–2026 might utilize a defensive stopper like Smart, even though his influence has diminished in the seasons since he left Boston.

Any playoff team hoping to bolster their bench with additional venom and determination would find Smart a valuable addition in a reserve role.

Since 2023, Conor Ryan has worked as a staff writer for Boston.com, covering the Boston Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox.