Why This Trade Makes Sense For The San Antonio Spurs
At 35-years old and in the final year of his contract, LaMarcus Aldridge is still a contributor for the Spurs, but is no longer in their long-term plans. They would likely re-sign him to a one-year contract after this year, but all-in-all, this team is looking to get younger and will not back down from trading away any of their older talents.
In this trade, not only do they get one of the best perimeter defenders in the league in Marcus Smart, who would fit their system perfectly, but they would also be getting a young role player in Grant Williams and two future first-round picks.
It seems too good to be true for the Spurs, but this is a very real possibility for them given that the Celtics need frontcourt help and another weapon to utilize on offense. A player like Lonnie Walker or Patty Mills could also potentially be added to this trade so the Celtics could be getting more value.
RELATED: NBA Trade Rumors: 3 intriguing future trade targets for San Antonio Spurs to monitor
Marcus Smart has been a fantastic player for them over the years on both ends of the court, which is why the Spurs would likely want him in any trade package involving LaMarcus Aldridge. Smart is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league and for the Spurs, a team that currently ranks 10th in opponents points per game (111.5 PPG); they could really benefit and potentially move into the Top-5 in defensive efficiency with Marcus Smart.
As good as he is on the defensive-end of the court, Marcus Smart is also having his best offensive season statistically, but is currently out with a calf injury. He is averaging career-highs in points per game and assists per game and can be a great complimentary guard in the Spurs young backcourt.
Getting an impact player like Smart and two first-round picks would be the best scenario for the Spurs if they were to trade away Aldridge, but at the end of the day, seeing that LaMarcus Aldridge is currently out with a hip injury, this seems like a risk the Celtics would not be willing to take on.
However, Aldridge’s future in San Antonio is very much up-in-the-air at this point and he is a player who could be traded before this season’s trade deadline.
