Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics Receive: F LaMarcus Aldridge, SAS 2023 1st Round Pick (Lottery-Protected)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G Marcus Smart, G Romeo Langford, C Daniel Theis, BOS 2021 2nd Round Pick, BOS 2025 2nd Round Pick
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 from the Celtics, who would fit their system perfectly, but they would also be getting some role players in Romeo Langford, Daniel Theis, as well as some future second-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.
Marcus Smart has been a fantastic player for the Celtics 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 11th in opponents points per game (111.1 PPG); they could really benefit and potentially move into the Top-5 in defensive efficiency with Marcus Smart.
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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 for the Celtics and can be a great complimentary guard in the Spurs’ young backcourt.
Getting an impact player like Smart, as well as a consistent big man like Daniel Theis, who can knock down shots from virtually anywhere on the court, would be one of the better trade scenarios for the Spurs if they were to trade Aldridge.
